In the late 1920s, two Roman ships were discovered at the bottom of Lake Nemi, a small volcanic lake near Rome. These ships, believed to have been built during the reign of Emperor Caligula in the first century AD, have intrigued archaeologists and historians for centuries due to their size, construction, and purpose.
In this article, I’ll share some of the most fascinating things I learned at the Lake Nemi ships museum (Museo delle Navi Romane di Nemi) in Genzano di Roma during my exchange trip to Rome in 2024.
I hope you enjoy it!
Table of Contents
To Access the Nemi Ships, Lake Nemi Had to Be Drained
The discovery of the Nemi ships was part of a larger project initiated by Benito Mussolini in June 1928, who had given permission to a group of industrialists to drain the lake. The lake’s outlet (emissario) had fallen into disrepair, and engineers were tasked with restoring the water flow to the Ariccia Valley. This provided the perfect opportunity to explore the local legends of Roman ships submerged in the lake.
To facilitate the draining, four water pumps were installed, powered by an electrical substation that was built specifically for this purpose. As the water level gradually lowered, a floating system was constructed to follow the receding water. By May 28, 1929, the first ship began to surface, followed by the second ship on January 30, 1930.
The Excavation of the Nemi Ships
The process of excavating the Nemi ships was done with great care. Under the supervision of Giuseppe Cultrera and later Ugo Antonelli, special wooden tools were used to avoid damaging the delicate wooden structures. Excavations were carried out in stages as the lake’s water level dropped, with a focus on preserving the structural integrity of the ships.
Preservation was a key concern throughout the process. The wood, having been submerged for centuries, was at risk of rapid decay once exposed to air. Early preservation efforts included coating the wood with tar diluted with solvents, though this method proved ineffective in preventing rot.
The Nemi Ships’ Size and Construction
The Nemi ships were unusually large for vessels found in an inland lake. The first ship measured 71 meters in length and 20 meters in width, while the second was slightly larger, at 73 meters long and 24 meters wide. Both were made primarily of pine wood, with oak and fir used in various parts of the hull.
What made these ships particularly notable was the way they were constructed and preserved. The hulls were protected by layers of mud, which kept them safe from decay and harmful pathogens. Other elements like woolen fabric and lead sheeting were used to further protect the wood, while copper nails held the structure together. These techniques showed a high level of Roman engineering, even for ships that were likely used on a relatively calm lake.
In the picture below, a Lion’s head beam end is shown. It was preserved from the first ship, found on October 23, 1895.
The Purpose of the Lake Nemi Ships
The function of the ships has been debated. Due to their size and construction, it’s unlikely they were used for military or transport purposes. Many experts believe the ships were lavish pleasure barges used by Emperor Caligula.
They may have been floating palaces, featuring elaborate decorations such as bronze statues, mosaic floors, and hydraulic systems. Their shallow draft and wide beam suggest they were more suited for use on the lake’s calm waters rather than the open sea.
Here are some reconstructions/artistic renderings of how the Lake Nemi ships might have looked:
The Museum of the Roman Ships
In the early 1930s, after the ships had been recovered, plans were made to build a museum to house them. The Museum of the Roman Ships (Museo delle Navi Romane di Nemi), designed by architect Vittorio Baglio, was built near the lake, featuring two large halls to display the ships. The goal was to allow visitors to view the vessels as they might have appeared in ancient times, ready for use on the water.
However, in 1944, during World War II, a fire broke out in the museum when the Germans were forced by the allies to retreat, destroying both Nemi ships. The loss was significant, but many of the smaller artifacts, including bronze decorations, had already been moved to the National Roman Museum in Rome and were spared.
The Modern Museum
After many years, the Museum of the Roman Ships at Lake Nemi was reopened in 1988. Today, it displays the surviving artifacts from the ships, including some decorative elements that were saved from the fire. Though the ships themselves are lost, the museum provides valuable insights into the craftsmanship and luxury of Roman imperial vessels.
If you’re visiting Rome, I would definitely recommend that you go check out the museum of the Lake Nemi ships! It’s about 25 kilometers away, and should be accessible by bus and metro if you travel from Rome.
Below, you’ll find some more pictures of these decorative elements, as well as of the museum itself:
