RARE BOUNDARY MARKER

rare stone that once demarcated the boundary of ancient Rome’s sacred precinct was unearthed by workers renovating, was one of dozens that were installed around the city to mark the , a hallowed zone where activities were dictated by a strict set of rules. For example, no one could be buried within its limits, and crossing the boundary bearing arms was forbidden. This symbolic barrier was the border between Rome proper—the —and its outlying territory—the —and separated religious activities from civic and military life.