Domus del Chirurgo (House of the Surgeon), Rimini

Civil unrest racked the Roman Empire in the 3rd century AD. Emperors were scrambling for the throne in dazzling succession. It was becoming hard to maintain border security. Hostile tribes penetrated as far down the peninsula as Ariminum (Rimini). In the battles of 258-260 AD, they burned the northern side of the city.

Fast forward to 1989. While replacing paving in Ferrari Square, construction workers were uprooting a bothersome tree. The tree came up, dripping soil. Under the dangling roots of the tree was a 3rd-century Roman house, the House of the Surgeon. The archaeologists of Rimini, led by Jacopo Ortalli, professor of the University of Ferrara and director in charge of the excavations, have brought to light the historical patrimony.

They spent 18 years excavating an area of 700 square meters. During their delving, Ortali and his team discovered a cache of surgical instruments overlooked by the rampaging barbarian arsonists 1,700 years before. The doctor operated a two-room clinic in his home.

Also recovered were measuring devices, mortars and pestles, coins, and a bronze hand of Jupiter Dolichenus, a popular cult in the military. The doctor's name was Eutyches. The excavation site is covered with transparent crystal for protection and easy viewing. Some of the surgeon's artifacts are kept at the City Museum nearby.