The University Archaeological Museum of the Territory (MAUT) was established with the scientific and cultural aim of recounting the evolution of the Roman countryside’s suburban landscape and its profound historical connection to the City of Rome itself. The project highlights an area characterized by an extraordinary, multi-layered heritage, ranging from Roman-era villas and aqueducts to medieval towers, and extending to the place names of early modern estates and the complex urban fabric of the contemporary outskirts.
MAUT is institutionally housed within Villa Gentile, one of the historic rural buildings of the Agro Romano (Roman countryside), situated on the nearly 600-hectare property owned by the University.
Recent renovation work on the building—made possible in part by funding from the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR – MIC3, Investment 1.2), aimed at removing physical and cognitive barriers in cultural spaces—provided a significant and fruitful opportunity for scientific research. Archaeological investigations conducted during the construction phase led to an exceptional discovery: the uncovering of the monumental structures of the original “Torre Vergata,” which had historically been incorporated into the Villa Gentile farmhouse. All documentary traces of this tower—distinguished by its alternating white and black bands—had long been lost, although the memory of its existence survived in the place name that identifies both the surrounding district and the University itself.
In this museum project, therefore, the building is not merely a container for exhibits but an integral, “speaking” part of the visitor experience. The permanent display is enriched by a selection of Roman-era artifacts from the local area and supported by state-of-the-art multimedia and interactive systems. These technologies have been designed to ensure a visitor experience that can be tailored to the diverse needs and preferences of the public. With the opening of MAUT, the University of Rome Tor Vergata is not merely inaugurating an exhibition space but establishing an active center for research, education, and scientific outreach. The Museum’s primary mission is to serve as a cultural and social hub for the academic community and for the local population living in and frequenting the area.