Ancient Roman house with "incomparable" mosaics discovered in Italy
The mosaic shows three large ships sailing through the waves towards a fortified coastal town. The scene suggests that the owner of the domus emerged victorious from a battle. The house dates from the period between the second half of the second century BC and the beginning of the Christian era.
Archaeologists first discovered walls at the site in 2018, which later turned out to be part of a multi-storey house. Only a few rooms have been uncovered so far, and the excavations are expected to continue well into 2024.
According to the Ministry of Culture, the main room of the domus, which is arranged around an atrium, is a banquet hall in the style of a grotto that was used during the summer months. The owner was probably a senator who may have entertained his visitors with "spectacular water games", as indicated by the lead pipes between the decorated walls.
The mosaic makes the find "extraordinary" due to the chronology and complexity of the scenes depicted, explained the ministry. The depiction of the landscape, including the city and cliffs, is "fascinating". White stucco of the "highest quality" was also found in the adjoining room, it said.
Alfonsina Russo, director of the Colosseum's archaeological park, spoke of one of the "most impressive" sites in ancient Rome, which should be made accessible to the public "as soon as possible".
The find is an early example of "luxuria", the display of wealth and status through sumptuous villas and lifestyle. It also confirms historical sources that describe the extensive residences of large Roman senatorial families in the north-western area of the Palatine, one of the city's seven hills.
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The Roman house, famous for its "incomparable" mosaics, was initially identified with walls discovered in 2018. Gennaro Sangiuliano, an archaeologist, was involved in this discovery. The main room of the house, a banquet hall, features a grotto-style decoration, suited for summer use. The mosaics, including the one depicting sailing ships, have captivated the Ministry of Education with their chronology and complexity. The room adjacent to the banquet hall houses white stucco of the finest quality. Alfonsina Russo, an archaeologist, describes the site as one of the most impressive in ancient Rome, urging for public access. The mosaic-laden house exemplifies the luxury and status display of the Roman era, known as "luxuria". This discovery supports historical records of extensive residences owned by large Roman senatorial families in the Palatine area.
Source: www.stern.de
