Villa Adriana archaeologists discover inscription to Roman god Summanus

Archaeologists conducting research at Villa Adriana in Tivoli have discovered an inscription dedicated to Summanus, the Roman deity of nocturnal lightning. The find was made in the Amphitheater area during investigations led by the Department of Humanities at the University of Urbino Carlo Bo, under a concession from the Ministry of Culture and in collaboration with the Villa Adriana and Villa d’Este Institute.

The discovery is considered particularly significant because the marble slab, measuring approximately 40 by 35 centimeters, was found in its original context. It was embedded in a small quadrangular structure built from tuff elements and mortar. The inscription reads ‘FVLGVR SVBMANIVM’, referring to the ‘fulgur submanium’ or nocturnal lightning.

In ancient Roman belief, a location struck by lightning was considered ‘religiosus’, meaning it was consecrated by divine intervention and removed from ordinary use. The discovery suggests the structure may have served to mark or delimit a sacred space, known as a ‘bidental’, associated with the lightning strike.