Secret ancient papal palace where Popes lived before the Vatican is unearthed in Rome

ARCHAEOLOGISTS have unearthed ruins from a hidden ancient palace which housed popes for centuries before the Vatican was established.

The discoveries give a rare glimpse into the dangers faced by the papacy in Rome‘s medieval times.

Italian Ministry of CultureArchaeologists have uncovered the ruins of the first residence of popes[/caption] Italian Ministry of CultureDefensive walls were excavated in the Piazza San Giovanni in Laterano, the square outside the Archbasilica of St.