Imagine swimming through the crystal-clear waters off the coast of Italy and stumbling upon a breathtaking ancient Roman mosaic lying on the ocean floor. Well, that’s exactly what happened to a team of archaeologists working on the restoration of a submerged villa in the southwestern coast of Italy!
Dating back to the end of the Roman Empire in the 3rd century AD, this stunning mosaic covers a whopping 250 square meters of the villa’s reception room. Made up of thousands of repurposed marble pieces, the colorful designs on the floor are truly a sight to behold. As fish gracefully swim over the mosaic, it’s hard not to be captivated by the sheer beauty and craftsmanship of this ancient artwork. The walls surrounding the mosaic, towering over 10 meters high, have collapsed in some areas, adding to the mystery and allure of the site.
Archaeologists are hard at work excavating the villa and meticulously restoring the mosaic both underwater and on land. Some pieces of the mosaic have been placed in freshwater tanks to remove salt from the seawater, ensuring its preservation for generations to come. Located in the ancient city of Baiae, the villa and surrounding coastal area began sinking into the Mediterranean Sea around 1,500 years ago due to volcanic activity known as bradyseism. This unique phenomenon is a defining characteristic of the archaeological site of Campi Flegrei, where the villa excavation site is located. The discovery of this ancient Roman mosaic is not only representative of the rich history and culture of the region, but also a reminder of the incredible craftsmanship and artistry of the ancient Romans!
