The Scolastico complex in Corso Umberto was built in 1911 and stands on an important building from the Imperial Roman Age; according to some, this building may have housed Atte, the beloved freedwoman of Emperor Nero who is said to have stayed in Olbia between 63 and 65 AD. During the construction of the Umbertine palace, busts of Domitius Enobarbus (Nero) and Trajan were found, now housed in the Cagliari Museum. Later, archaeological excavations were carried out, uncovering a series of rooms from the Roman Age; these include the opus spicatum (spicata opus) floor identified in the courtyard behind the building. The elementary schools remained in place until the early 2000s, and currently the restored building houses most of the municipal offices.
(Excerpted from: Taramelli “News and Excavations” – Giovanna Pietra “Proceedings of the conference l’Africa Romana”)
