Internationally recognised art and literary critic, writer and cultural producer. Published in ELLE, Glamour, Esquire and Cosmopolitan; member of the Union of Writers.
Rome is a city of wonders, where every corner hides a piece of history. But sometimes, the most amazing discoveries are buried under the ground, waiting for archaeologists to bring them to light.
That’s what happened last week, when a team of experts uncovered a spectacular mosaic made of shells and coral near the Roman Colosseum. The mosaic, which dates back to the first or second century BC, was part of a lavish banquet room in a domus, or aristocratic mansion, that belonged to a wealthy and influential Roman family.
The mosaic, which measures almost five meters long, is a masterpiece of craftsmanship and creativity. It features a colorful and intricate design of marine motifs, such as fish, dolphins, seahorses, octopuses, and crabs. It also depicts mythological creatures, such as tritons, nereids, and hippocamps, as well as scenes of naval and land battles. The mosaic is made of thousands of tiny pieces of shells, mother of pearl, coral, glass, and marble, carefully arranged to create a stunning visual effect.
The mosaic is not only a beautiful work of art, but also a testimony of the culture and society of ancient Rome. According to Alfonsina Russo, the director of the Colosseum Archeological Park, which includes the site of the domus, the mosaic was a symbol of the power and prestige of the owners of the mansion, who wanted to impress their guests with their refined taste and exotic materials.
“In ancient times, when powerful noble families inhabited the Palatine Hill, it was customary to use rich decorative elements as a symbol to show-off opulence and high social rank,” Russo said in a statement.
The domus, which was located along the Vicus Tuscus, a busy street that connected the Roman Forum with the Circus Maximus, was one of the many luxurious residences that adorned the Palatine Hill, the most exclusive and desirable neighborhood in ancient Rome. The Palatine Hill was the birthplace of the city, according to legend, and the home of emperors, senators, and aristocrats, who competed to build the most splendid and extravagant palaces.
The domus where the mosaic was found was probably owned by a prominent Roman family, possibly of senatorial rank, who had connections with the military and political spheres. The mosaic, in fact, reflects the themes of war and victory, which were very important for the Roman elite, who celebrated their triumphs with lavish banquets and ceremonies.
The mosaic also shows the influence of Greek and Eastern art and culture, which were highly appreciated and imitated by the Romans. The use of shells and coral, for example, was inspired by the Hellenistic art of Alexandria, Egypt, where the Ptolemaic dynasty ruled until the Roman conquest in 30 BC. The depiction of marine creatures and battles, on the other hand, was influenced by the epic poems of Homer, the Iliad and the Odyssey, which were widely read and admired by the Romans.
The discovery of the mosaic is the result of a five-year excavation project, which started in 2018 and involved a multidisciplinary team of archaeologists, architects, engineers, restorers, and technicians. The project aimed to explore and restore the domus, which was partially damaged by a fire in the third century AD and then covered by later constructions.
The mosaic, which was found on the wall of the banquet room, was in a remarkable state of preservation, thanks to the protection of the soil and the debris. However, it also posed some challenges for the experts, who had to carefully detach it from the wall, clean it, consolidate it, and reassemble it on a new support.
Marco Rossi, the head of the mosaic lab at Rome’s Università degli Studi di Roma Tre, who supervised the restoration, said that the mosaic was a unique and exceptional find, unlike any other in Rome.
“Mosaics are usually found on floors, but this runs across the entire front wall and has been incredibly well-preserved,” he said. “It’s not been ruined by the weight of debris – as can happen to some mosaics on the ground – and despite being delicate, it hasn’t so much as chipped across the centuries.”
The mosaic, which is now on display at the Colosseum Archeological Park, is a rare and precious example of the artistic and cultural heritage of ancient Rome, which still fascinates and inspires us today. It is also a reminder of the importance of archaeology, which allows us to uncover the secrets of the past and appreciate the beauty and diversity of human creativity.
