A Roman villa with intricate mosaics has been discovered on the outskirts of Rome, Italy, after police stopped a clandestine excavation on government land.
Discovery and Excavation
The villa, located in the village of Castel di Guido, about 12 miles from Rome, features a grand entrance hall with an atrium and sunken basin, known as an impluvium, surrounded by a mosaic floor with black and white botanical and geometric designs.
The discovery was made after concerned neighbors reported illicit activity at the site in February. Authorities found that a small group of people had used a backhoe to break ground into a vast cavern below, damaging some of the structure in the process.
Historical Significance
The villa is believed to have belonged to prominent members of the Roman aristocracy, closely linked to the Imperial court. The site was frequented by emperors, including Hadrian, Antoninus Pius, and Marcus Aurelius, during the Imperial era.
The excavation has uncovered a range of artifacts, including lavish mosaics, intricate marble work, and the remnants of a statue thought to be of Silvanus, the Roman god of the countryside.
Further excavations are still underway, and the general public will be able to visit the site by appointment starting on Saturday.
Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.
