During geophysical investigations (2010-
2011) at the archaeological site of the ‘Villa degli
Antonini’ in Genzano di Roma (RM, Italy), detection
and location of underground buried structures using
different instruments and techniques were carried
out. In this paper we describe the results of an
investigation obtained with integrated geophysical
survey techniques: electromagnetic induction (EMI),
magnetometry (MAG) and ground penetrating radar
(GPR).
Magnetometry and electromagnetic induction
measurements revealed an elliptical depression with a
N/NE–S/SW orientation (major axis ca. 50 m, minor
axis ca. 25 m). On the basis of these results, GPR
measurements were taken to enhance the
characterization of smaller and more deeply buried
features in order to obtain a more detailed picture of
the underground structures.
Excavation in targeted areas showed that the elliptical
structure is an amphitheatre, possibly the one where,
according to the ancient sources, the Roman emperor
Commodus (ruled 180-192) earned the nickname
“Roman Hercules”.Published545-5491VV. AltroJCR Journa