Rome's new Metro line showcases its deep past in 'museum stations'

Engineers and archeologists working on Rome's new Metro C line are working to incorporate discoveries made during deep excavations into world-first "museum stations", allowing commuters to experience a journey through time.

At the heart of the project is Piazza Venezia, now a vast construction site, where some of the most significant archeological finds have been uncovered in recent years.

Andrea Sciotti, technical director and C line project manager, said that the team is acutely aware of its responsibility.

"I am very proud to be overseeing this project, both as a technician and as a Roman, because as we excavate and travel back in time, we consider the metro as a kind of connection with the Roman architects and engineers who came before us," said Sciotti.

Sciotti describes the Piazza Venezia stop as an engineering challenge unlike any other in the city. Excavation reaches 85 meters below ground, exposing layers of Rome's 2,800-year history.

"Rome is a particular city because it is not only long and wide but also deep. In its 2,800 years, it has been built layer upon layer, so obviously, it is a very delicate engineering operation to also protect its archaeological heritage," said Sciotti.

Archeologists at the site have uncovered homes, shops and workshops dating back to the early Roman Empire, which will form part of the museum-station's exhibitions.

The San Giovanni "archeostation" is already open to the public, where glass cases exhibit remnants of a 1st-century CE farm, including peach stones and irrigation systems.

Archeologist Simona Moretta, who oversees excavations for three Metro C stations, said that cooperation between engineers and archeologists has strengthened over time.

"I have to say that in the beginning the archaeologists and the engineers were on opposing fronts - we clashed. Then when important discoveries emerged, the engineers understood the 'slowness' of the archaeological process and the need for preservation," said Moretta.

When complete, Metro C will stretch 26 kilometers and include 29 stations, linking the southeastern suburbs with Rome's historic center. Construction began in 2006 and is expected to continue until 2035, at a cost of around 8 billion U.S. dollars.

For Moretta, the goal is not only to safeguard artifacts but to make them accessible.

"We found many precious and unique artifacts, but above all we wanted to make the archaeology public, so that in exchange for years of construction sites, residents can connect with their history. Every station is a journey through time, not just a physical journey," she said.

Rome's new Metro line showcases its deep past in 'museum stations'

The Honghe butterfly valley in southwest China's Yunnan Province is expected to see a 10-year high butterfly boom this year.

As one of the world's richest regions for butterfly species, the butterfly valley in Jinping County sees a massive butterfly emergence every year in late spring and early summer.

From May to June, billions of butterflies emerge and fill the skies above the valley.

Experts estimate this year's butterfly number could be the highest in nearly a decade.

Scientists say such a spectacle is only possible in a healthy ecosystem.

For nearly three decades, local resident Yang Zhenwen has devoted himself to monitoring and protecting the butterflies.

Every day during the emergence season, he serves a special meal to help the tiny creatures replenish their energy: a nutrient solution he developed together with researchers.

"The solution is made mainly from local ingredients, including pineapples, fermented glutinous rice juice and brown sugar. After being boiled together, a small amount of salt is added," said Yang.

Yang regularly patrols the mountains, monitors butterfly habitats, records species data and tracks the growth of host plants.

Recently, over 40 content creators were invited to the county to promote biodiversity conservation through artistic installations and online campaigns. With support from the local government, conservation is also driving rural development.

"We have invited some social organizations. They bring some artists to come here to help our people design butterfly craft products, and also, some professional guides to train our people to become a good tourist guide. I would like to say it's a vivid proof of how human beings and nature can live in harmony," said Liu Xuan, deputy head of Jinping County.

The butterfly valley is drawing in a growing number of tourists.

Butterfly boom forecast to hit 10-year high at butterfly valley in Yunnan