Archaeologists at Gabii, an ancient city east of Rome, have uncovered a large stone-lined basin dating to around 250 B.C., offering insights into early Roman city planning.

The basin, located near the city’s central crossroads, may have been part of a monumental forum, illustrating how early Romans adapted Greek architectural ideas for public spaces.

Gabii’s largely preserved streets and foundations provide a rare view of Roman life before Rome’s layers were buried by later construction.

The Gabii Project continues to study the basin and surrounding areas, including a potential temple or civic building revealed through thermal imaging, Sci-Tech Daily has reported.

Findings from Gabii could clarify whether early Roman civic or religious spaces drove urban development and shed light on the origins of Roman monumental architecture.