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Rome, April 21 (ANI): Archaeologists have discovered an ancient Roman staircase, which appears to have led into a previously unknown major building.

Found during excavations for a new subway station, the white-marble staircase, which is the latest in a trove of finds at the site, has been dubbed by archaeologists as ‘the imperial steps.

Only a part of the staircase - five steps measuring some ten metres - has so far been uncovered. It is inset into pink granite and the Romans favourite monumental building stone, travertine.

This is an extremely important find and completely unexpected because the staircase was not known, said Rome Archaeological Superintendent Angelo Bottini.

It must have been an entrance into an important place, but we have to find something in ancient sources if we are to make any circumstantiated hypothesis, he added.

According to Bottini, there was no trace of the monument even in the Forma Urbis, a massive marble map of ancient Rome created under the emperor Septimius Severus between 203 and 211.

Though the map was destroyed in the Middle Ages, much of its content is known from ancient writings.

The remains of brickwork pillars, which archaeologists say may have collapsed in an earthquake in ancient times, were found alongside the stairs.

The staircase was discovered just around the corner from the Ancient Forum in the middle of Piazza Venezia, the central Roman square where Benito Mussolini gave his speeches.

One of the 30 stations on Romes new C metro line, the third in the capital, is being built in the square.

All the Roman, medieval and Renaissance artefacts and monuments, which digs have thrown up, will be showcased in the future station. (ANI)