The Roman Road Hidden Beneath a McDonald’s

McDonald's in Rome / Image Credit: Wikimedia

A McDonald’s near Rome sits over something much older than burgers. Under the dining floor in Frattocchie, workers found a Roman road. It stayed in that place for many centuries and came to light by accident during the work in 2014.

The road is not the only point of interest. Archaeologists reported that it was not just an ordinary street; it acted as a side road that linked to the Appian Way near the old part of Bovillae. The area is roughly 40 to 45 meters long and still visible to the today's generations. Builders used big basalt paving stones to make this street. Along one side, there was space meant for walkers. On the other side, people later noticed a drainage channel made with stone. After the street stopped being used, the space took on a new role.

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Later, three men were laid to rest in that area. Their bodies were brought to light during digging. What began as an ordinary construction effort turned into evidence of how people reused the setting once the road was no longer part of daily life. Some online posts leave out a key fact. The bones visitors can see today are not the first remains. The original material was taken away for study and long-term care. Copies were then set in place so guests could still understand where the burials were found.

Also Check | Ancient Inventions That Prove Our Ancestors Were Geniuses McDonald’s did not just walk away from the find. The company helped pay for the digging and fixing work, and it covered around €300,000. The new restaurant includes clear flooring, so diners can look down at the remains. There is also a separate entry, which lets people reach the archaeology area without having to buy anything inside the restaurant.

Under the burgers and fries, there is a small surprise. You can see more than a Roman road. You will get evidence about how ancient infrastructure was built, abandoned and eventually reused by people who lived centuries after it stopped carrying travellers.

( Source / The Archaeologist )