Following a five-year excavation on the Palatine Hill in Rome, archaeologists have unearthed a luxurious banquet room estimated to date back to the first or second century BC. This opulent room, part of a larger aristocratic mansion near the Roman Forum, has been under excavation since 2018 and is believed to be around 2,300 years old.
A standout feature of this discovery is a five-meter-long wall mosaic, showcasing vibrant depictions of vines, lotus leaves, tridents, trumpets, helmets, and mythological marine creatures. Crafted from shells, corals, mother of pearl, flecks of marble, and precious glass shards, the mosaic is framed with spongy travertine, polychrome crystals, and ancient Egyptian blue tiles.
Archaeologist Alfonsina Russo, the head of the Colosseum Archaeological Park overseeing the site, described the find as “unmatched.” What sets it apart is not only the completeness of the intact mosaic but also the celebratory scenes of naval and land battles intricately carved into it.
The level of detail in the victory carvings has surprised the archaeologists, who are now investigating whether the delicate and costly coral branches used in the display originated from the Mediterranean or the Red Sea. Additionally, a rare bluish glass paste found in the mosaic is believed to have come from the ancient Egyptian city of Alexandria.
The banquet hall, covering 25 square meters (270 square feet), is just one part of a multi-floor “domus” (Latin for house). During ancient times, noble families residing on the Palatine Hill would use rich decorative elements as symbols of opulence and high social status. Archaeologist Russo referred to the chamber as a “jewel,” noting that it likely served as an outdoor banquet hall with a view of a garden, where guests were entertained during the summer months. The discovery provides valuable insights into the lavish lifestyle and architectural grandeur of the aristocracy in ancient Rome.
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