Archaeologists excavating at the Forum in Rome have unearthed an underground temple and sarcophagus which they believe may commemorate Romulus, the legendary founder of Rome. The shrine dates to the sixth century BC, and contains what appears to be an altar, as well as a sarcophagus. The stone box is 4.5 feet long in length and is empty. The entrance to the underground temple - called a "hypogeum" – is hidden in the northwest part of the Forum, beneath the Senate House (the Curia Julia). At one time, it would have been beneath the “Comitium,” the place where ancient public assemblies were held to vote on issues. It is also near the Lapis Niger, a black marble shrine with an inscription warning people not to disturb its sacred grounds, which contained the remains of a “holy king.” Some scholars believe is a reference to Romulus.
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