Reconstruction of the First Italian Domestic Cat
Via Quarrata, 00138 Roma RM
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No, this isn't an animal shelter, nor even a protected feline colony... At most, you might catch a glimpse of the ghost of Italy's first domestic cat. A cat who, around 1900 BC, had the misfortune of finding himself tied to a pole in an Iron Age hut in a settlement in the ancient city of Fidenae, a bitter enemy of Veii, a Rome that was very ambitious but still insufficiently powerful. A brazier in the center of the home provided the fire, and a spark likely ignited the reed ceiling, causing it to collapse. Fate decreed that the walls remained intact, and the collapsed ceiling preserved the furnishings beneath intact, including the poor cat. No trace of humans, who certainly survived. The bones are now kept at the National Roman Museum, and the reconstructed protohistoric hut perfectly captures that glimpse of life 2,800 years ago. If you take a look at my reportage, I'll show you the beautiful wing of the museum dedicated to this site and the feline, and you'll understand where it was located. It's a very important historical testimony for the area and especially for Roman culture, which has always been linked to this splendid animal. Check out the photos and videos I've posted and
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https://www.flickr.com/photos/131543448@N08/17313385610
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