Archaeologists in Rome have uncovered a lavish banquet room decorated with a wall mosaic dating back over two millennia. The discovery was made during a five-year excavation on the Palatine Hill, near the Roman Forum. Measuring 16.4 ft long and estimated to be 2,300 years old, the mosaic is part of an aristocratic mansion that has been under excavation since 2018.
The intricately crafted piece features depictions of vines, lotus leaves, tridents, trumpets, helmets, and mythological marine creatures. A team of experts painstakingly created the work of art using mother of pearl, shells, corals, shards of precious glass, and flecks of marble. The piece is set within a frame of polychrome crystals, exotic spongy travertine, and ancient Egyptian blue tiles.
Archaeological experts have described it as “unmatched” for its incredible conservation, vibrant colors, and decoration. The mosaic has celebratory scenes of naval and land battles likely won and funded by an extremely wealthy aristocratic patron who commemorated their victories on the walls. The scene is a testimony to the wealth, power, and lifestyle of the elite class in ancient Rome.
According to Alfonsina Russo, Head of the Colosseum Archaeological Park, this discovery is unique as she had never seen the intricacies of depictions of victory before. It shows a coastal walled town with lookout towers and loggias. Russo said it could be an ideal or a real-life location. The scene also has various sailing ships with raised sails alongside depictions of mythical sea monsters swallowing enemy fleets.
One archaeological mystery is the origin of the delicate- and expensive- coral used in the display. Experts are trying to establish whether the materials came from the Mediterranean or the Red Sea, the nearest and most common oceans used by ancient Romans to extract materials. The team believes that a rare bluish glass paste found in the design came from the ancient Egyptian city of Alexandria, adding more depth to the piece’s storytelling.
The discovery of this grand and artistic banquet room provides essential insights into the Roman aristocracy’s lifestyle and their exquisite taste centuries ago. Its discovery is likely to help historians and archaeologists understand better ancient Rome’s social and cultural practices, particularly those pertaining to architecture, art, and luxury.