McDonald's Over Ancient Skeletons

Preserving the Past

Builders in Rome's Frattocchie suburb uncovered a section of ancient Roman roadway in 2014, dating between the second and first centuries BC.

The discovery was made during new construction projects, which often unearth ancient ruins in cities like Rome. The site was found beneath a McDonald's restaurant along one of Rome's oldest highways.

Can Ancient Ruins Coexist with Modern Development?

The ancient roadway was incorporated into the McDonald's design, with the restaurant built around it. The skeletons found on site were reburied in a nearby cemetery. Archaeologists worked with builders to ensure the ancient remains were treated with respect.

The McDonald's location has become a unique blend of old and new, with the ancient roadway visible beneath the restaurant. It's a rare example of ancient ruins being preserved in a modern setting.

The Frattocchie McDonald's shows that, with careful planning, it's possible to balance preservation of the past with modern development. The site's unusual history has made it a point of interest.

Frequently Asked Questions

The incorporation of the ancient roadway into the McDonald's design has not hindered the restaurant's operation. Instead, it has created a distinctive feature that sets it apart from other locations.

What was found beneath the McDonald's? A section of ancient Roman roadway and skeletons dating back to between the second and first centuries BC. Why were the skeletons reburied? The skeletons were reburied in a nearby cemetery out of respect for the ancient remains. How was the ancient roadway incorporated into the McDonald's? The restaurant was built around the ancient roadway, which is now visible beneath the building.