Archaeologists led by a University of Missouri professor have uncovered a 2,200-year-old Roman water basin on the outskirts of Rome in the Archaeological Area of Gabii.

The massive stone-lined structure, partly carved into bedrock with terrace-like steps, may have served as a monumental pool at the center of the city’s forum, providing insight into early Roman city planning.

Used for roughly 300 years before its abandonment around 50 A.D., the basin contained intact vessels, lamps, and cups, possibly left as religious offerings or as part of a ritual closure, the Kansas City Star has reported.

Gabii’s largely preserved streets and foundations offer a rare look at early Roman life, since the town was abandoned before much later urban development covered older layers.