Ancient Roman laundry uncovered during construction project in Italy [Video]

Construction workers in Italy recently came across the site of an ancient laundry near the Vatican, officials say.

Italy’s Ministry of Culture announced the surprising findings in a press release on June 14. The discovery was made during construction efforts at Piazza Pia, a Roman square that Italian officials are “pedestrianizing.”

Pictures of the site show archaeologists uncovering ancient tiled floors several feet below ground level. Tubs, which were used to clean dirty clothes, were also found at the site.

Excavators also uncovered what appear to be ceramic shards from destroyed artifacts. Officials also discovered pits, which may have once been used as baths.

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In a statement, Italian officials said that the site was likely built to be an imperial residence. The housing would have overlooked the Tiber River “in a scenic way with arcades, walks and gardens,” officials described. 

Between the second and third centuries, …