THE SECRET WORLD OF LAZIO EXPLORED
The Arco Di Diana, a cultural association based in the Castelli Romani area some 30 kms south of Rome, which takes its name from the Roman goddess Diana, who had an important sanctuary at the crater lake of Nemi, recently carried out a rare exploration of the entire tract of the 4th century BC outflow passage that regulated the lake water level, with the dual purpose of preventing flooding of the temple precinct and irrigating the nearby Valley of Ariccia.
The 1,600m long tunnel was first explored in the early years of the 20th century during a complex archaeological operation to recover two enormous Roman ships, attributed to the Emperor Caligula, which had lain at the bottom of the lake for almost 19 centuries.
In recent times, the level of the lake has dropped, making exploration of the outlet channel possible.
In addition to organizing treks and adventure trips in southern Lazio, Arco di Diana concentrates on exploring the traces left by the little known Latin peoples that inhabited the area before it was conquered and assimilated by the Romans. Publications by the Association include books “Alba Longa” by Riccardo Bellucci, an investigation of prehistoric burial sites “The Grotticelle Tombs” by Daniele Cataldi, and a collection of scientific papers of archaeological and astronomic research compiled by Cataldi, Bellucci and Marco Tudini.
Info at Facebook site: ARCO DI DIANA APS
