Archaeologists find birthplace of Roman emperor who built Colosseum

Rome: Archaeologists say they have unearthed a country villa believed to be the birthplace of Vespasian, the emperor who built the Colosseum.

Lead archaelogist Filippo Coarelli said the 2000-year-old ruins of the luxurious residence were found northeast of Rome.

Even though there are no inscriptions to attribute the 14-square-kilometre complex with certainty, its location and decorations suggest it belonged to the Flavian dynasty, founded by Vespasian.

The excavation was carried out by a group of Italian and British archaeologists.

Born in A.D. 9, Vespasian is known for launching a major public works program in Rome. The Colosseum is the most ambitious and best-preserved of his building projects.