During road expansion work in the Rieti province of Italy, workers accidentally uncovered the foundations of a 2,300-year-old temple dedicated to the goddess Juno. Archaeological excavation of the site has yielded a collection of pristine terracotta pediment sculptures, depicting the goddess in her role as the protector of the Sabine people. The statues still bear traces of blue and yellow pigment, which is exceptionally rare for archaeological finds of this age in the region.
The temple, which dates to the transition between the Sabine and Roman Republic eras, shows a fascinating blend of Italic and Hellenistic architectural styles. Experts have noted that the site includes a sacred grove foundation, where specialized votive pits were filled with miniature clay fruits and animals. The Italian Ministry of Culture has halted the roadwork permanently to allow for a full excavation of what is being called the most important Sabine discovery in a century.