Archaeologists Want Roman Road Removed

The year 2000 marked the Jubilee of Rome and the city sponsored numerous initiatives to spruce up its monuments, tourist areas and museums in celebration. The city also put archaeological excavations into high gear, including new initiatives in the center of the ancient city near the Octavian Gate and Trajan's Forum.

However, controversy is swirling as archaeologists are calling for the destruction of a major road running right through the heart of the ancient city and covering what are believed to be important archaeological remains.

Problem is, the road was build in 1932 by Benito Mussolini as a "victory" avenue. Some in Italy are calling for preservation of the road as part of the country's important cultural patrimony, albeit a symbol from a period of high fascism.

For more on the debate: click Roman Controversy