Remarkable Early Christian Basilica Unearthed in Aquileia, Italy!
Archaeologists from the Austrian Archaeological Institute of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (ÖAW) have made an extraordinary discovery in Aquileia, Italy, uncovering an early Christian basilica. This marks the first major architectural find in the ancient Roman city in several decades, reigniting interest in its rich historical legacy.
A Glimpse into Aquileia’s Storied Past
Situated in the northeastern province of Udine, Aquileia was established in 181 BCE as a Roman military colony. Over time, it evolved into a vital economic and strategic centre, connecting the Amber Road to the route leading to Noricum—modern-day Austria. Despite centuries of destruction caused by invasions, earthquakes, and natural decay, Aquileia holds the distinction of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is often referred to as Italy’s largest unexcavated Roman city.
Photo Credit: OeAW-OeAI
Discovery of a Byzantine Basilica
The recent excavations, conducted west of Aquileia near the ancient Via Annia trade route, have brought to light the remains of a Byzantine-style basilica. Initially constructed in the 4th century CE, the basilica was later expanded in the 6th century during the reign of Emperor Justinian I. The transformation included the addition of three aisles, a transept, and three apses. The basilica’s alignment towards Constantinople and Jerusalem underscores its religious and political importance, according to Stefan Groh, the lead archaeologist from ÖAW.
“This basilica represents the first large architectural discovery in decades of archaeological work in Aquileia,” Groh remarked. “Its design closely resembles structures found across the Eastern Roman Empire, spanning from Egypt to the Balkans, and now extending to the Upper Adriatic.”
Photo Credit: OeAW-OeAI
Connections to the Eastern Roman Empire
The architectural style of the basilica echoes that of other transept basilicas in locations such as Bethlehem, southwestern Turkey, and Durrës in Albania. This discovery highlights Aquileia’s strong links to the Eastern Roman world.
Groh explained that the basilica’s construction aligns with Justinian I’s campaign to reclaim Northern Italy from the Arian Goths. “This monumental structure likely symbolises Justinian’s reconquest of the region. Its grand design suggests it was part of a broader Byzantine initiative, which also included fortifying Aquileia with distinctive zigzag walls, comparable to those in Thessaloniki.”
A Statement of Power and Faith
The basilica’s discovery sheds light on the dual purpose of religious architecture during Justinian’s reign: to project imperial authority and to reflect Aquileia’s integration into the Byzantine sphere. Its design and location affirm its role in Justinian’s broader geopolitical and religious strategy, serving as both a place of worship and a statement of imperial dominance.
This remarkable find not only enriches our understanding of Aquileia’s historical significance but also highlights the enduring legacy of Byzantine influence in the region.