Birthplace of Augustus found

A team of archaeologists say they have uncovered part of what they believe is the birthplace of Rome's first emperor Augustus.

Leading archaeologist Clementina Panella said the team has dug up part of a corridor and other fragments under Rome's Palatine Hill, which she described today as "a very ancient aristocratic house."

Panella said that she could not yet be certain that the house was where Augustus was born in 63 BC, but added that historical cross-checks and other findings nearby have shown that the emperor was particularly fond of the area, she said.

Excavations on the Palatine in recent decades have turned up wonders such as another renewed Augustus' house, including two rooms with frescoes of masked figures and pine branches.

Panella said there were at least two houses on the Palatine where the emperor was known to have lived.

Much has yet to be uncovered, hidden in underground passageways.

Dinnington Villa's mosaic secret

The site was first excavated as part of the Time Team TV programme
Archaeologists excavating part of a Roman villa in Somerset have unearthed a mosaic of Daphne and Apollo.

The mosaic, which dates back to the 4th Century, is part of the Dinnington Roman Villa site near Ilminster.

It is thought to be the only one of its kind in the country to feature the figures from Greek mythology.

The treasure was uncovered by a team of experts from Somerset County Council and students from Winchester University and Taunton's Richard Huish College.

Dinnington Roman Villa was first discovered when a plough turned up pieces of mosaic tile.

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Gens Galeria meeting

Members of the Gens Galeria met in Nashville TN, over the weekend of the 1st to 2nd July 2006, for an Italian lunch, a trip to the Parthenon and finally a relaxing evening in a local German restaurant.