In 1875, the Compagnia Fondiaria Italiana conducted a systematic excavation in the cemetery which stretched from the Nymphaeum in the Licinian Gardens to the Porta Maggiore; it led to the discovery of the Columbarium of the family of Statilius Taurus which contained more than 700 loculi (CIL VI, 6213-6640). Not far off, a small tomb 2.90 x 1.95 m. and 4.20 m. in height, was excavated, the fresco decoration of which is of especial artistic and historic interest. A frieze of the time of Augustus with illustrations of the Aeneid and the early history of Rome, occupied the middle zone of the walls; the upper half and the vaulted ceiling was decorated with paintings of the early 3rd century. The frieze was removed, and is now in the Museo Nazionale Romano. The remaining ceiling and wall frescoes were reburied or destroyed, after they had been photographed in 1875 (Parker Catalogue, 3312-3316).
Tomb of the Statili, inscription of the"Familia T. Statili Tauri" that stood over the entrance to the colombarium
Tomb of the Statili, the excavated columbarium before it was filled up again in 1875
Tomb of the Statili, left side of the east wall frieze
Tomb of the Statili, frieze of the northern wall
Tomb of the Statili, frieze of the southern wall
Tomb of the Statili, the preserved remains of the west wall frieze
omb of the Statili, central part of the frieze of the southern wall, Battle of the River Numicus
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