Archaeologists recently unearthed a hidden chamber beneath an estate tied to one of ancient Rome's most famous emperors — and they say it could be the oldest known structure at the site.The discovery, made at Hadrian's Villa in Tivoli, Italy, was recently announced by Pablo de Olavide University (UPO), a university in Seville, Spain.The imperial villa was once home to Emperor Hadrian, who ruled Rome from 117 to 138 A.D.ARCHAEOLOGISTS UNCOVER 'MYSTERIOUS' ANCIENT TUNNEL NEAR BIBLICAL KINGDOM OF JUDAH SITE IN JERUSALEMThe emperor is best known for building Hadrian's Wall in northern Britain and traveling throughout the Roman Empire during his reign.The sprawling imperial complex is now preserved as a UNESCO-listed site that draws visitors — and archaeologists — from across the globe.Archaeologists say a newly discovered underground chamber at Hadrian's Villa could be the oldest structure ever identified at the historic site.(Mauro Flamini/Reda & Co/Universal Images Group via Getty Images; Culture Club via Getty Images)At the villa, archaeologists found an underground structure that dates back to the Roman Republic period, which spanned from 509 B.C.
to 27 B.C.— centuries before Hadrian took power.The abandoned structure, which officials believe may have been used as a silo or storage facility, was partially filled in with ancient construction debris and ceramic materials.COLOSSAL TOMB TIED TO ALEXANDER THE GREAT REVEALED BY OFFICIALS: 'UNIQUE AND MAGNIFICENT'The find "could prove to be the oldest structure ever identified at Hadrian's Villa," officials said.Much of that earlier complex was destroyed during construction of the emperor's sprawling villa, leaving archaeologists with few clues about its history.The discovery could represent the oldest known structure identified at Hadrian's Villa in Tivoli, Italy, say researchers.
(Hulton Archive via Getty Images; Pablo de Olavide University)"The discovery is particularly significant because it is associated...