Mosaic Mural Using Glass Shards and Stones Discovered
Excavation Expected to Finish Early Next Year
"We Will Strive to Reveal It Quickly"
A luxurious house believed to have been built in the late Roman Republic period was discovered near the Colosseum in Rome, Italy.
According to Italy's ANSA news agency on the 12th (local time), the house located between the Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum in Rome consists of multiple floors, and so far only some rooms have been excavated. The excavation work is expected to continue until next year.
Archaeologists estimated that this house was built between the late 2nd century BC and the end of the 1st century BC. In the house, mosaic murals made using seashells, blue tesserae, glass fragments, white marble pieces, and other colored stones were discovered.
A mosaic refers to a patterned picture made using pieces of stones, ceramics, glass, and other materials of various shapes and colors. It is mainly used for decorating floors or walls of buildings, or for craftworks.
Gennaro Sanjuliano, Minister of Culture, stated in a press release that day, "A true treasure," and added, "What makes this discovery special is the unique wall decorated with mosaics unparalleled anywhere else in terms of chronology and the complexity of the depicted scenes."
The mosaic mural depicts three large ships sailing on waves toward a coastal city. The mural also portrays Celtic horns, warships, and tridents.
Regarding this, Minister Sanjuliano explained, "It probably suggests that the noble owner, who belonged to the Senate, achieved two victories on land and sea."
Alfonsina Russo, director of the Colosseum Archaeological Park, expected the excavation work to be completed early next year. Director Russo said, "We will strive to open this place, which best represents ancient Rome, to the public as soon as possible."
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