In 2007, a unique discovery was made on the northeastern slope of the Palatine. Clementina Panella at the head of the research team found a mysterious chest inside which were located imperial banners (signa imperii) and the scepter of the Roman emperor.
The discovery was so amazing that previously you could only imagine these objects on the basis of sources, coins or sculptures. The finds surprised the researchers, as it turned out that the banner handles were decorated.