Escape cave and the Roman quarries

In Rome, in the wonderful Appia Antica Park, amidst distant echoes and archaeological ruins, we meet a large group. They are part of a well-known international company. None of them yet knows what they have come to do; they have been told to wear comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes.

A tour guide tells them about the place we are walking through—tombs, villas, towers, and numerous hydraulic works dating back to the 6th century B.C. After about ten minutes of pleasant walking, we arrive in front of a wooden gate, from which a descending corridor leads us to a large underground opening. These are the famous Roman Caves that stretch underground in the park for about four kilometers. Used in Roman times for the extraction of pozzolana and later for other purposes, they open before us majestic, tall, and wide. We are welcomed by a group of professional speleologists who, after a brief welcome, provide us with protective helmets, head-mounted torches, and UV lamps.

The experience consists of a series of challenges to overcome inside the tunnels. Divided into teams, the budding Indiana Joneses are led into the galleries, where they will discover how to surpass their limits. Sensory experiences, construction of complex geometric shapes in the dark, hidden puzzles among shards of amphorae and inscriptions concealed by time, orientation, and surely a lot of cooperation. One of the central themes is precisely this: in difficult conditions, the group becomes strong.

After about two hours of excitement, we see them resurfacing, happy. Something has bonded among them; some are still searching for each other with their hands, thanking one another for the support received, while others are happy to have overcome their fears.

But nothing is yet concluded; now they can continue to share, seated at the table for a completely Roman dinner, comforted by food, wine, and plenty of friendship.

Marzia