Unearthing Rome's Hidden Gem: An Ancient Shell and Coral Mosaic Dating Back 2300 Years
Archaeologists uncover an extraordinary 2300-year-old mosaic, made of shells and coral, hidden beneath Rome's Palatine Hill This magnificent find reveals a lavish banquet room, shedding light on ancient Roman opulence
Archaeologists unearthed a lavish banquet room dating back to the first or second century BC on Rome's Palatine Hill after a five-year excavation. The well-preserved and vibrant wall mosaic is estimated to be around 2300 years old and is part of an aristocratic mansion near the Roman Forum that has been under excavation since 2018.
The mosaic scene, almost five meters in length (16.4 ft), showcases depictions of vines, lotus leaves, tridents, trumpets, helmets and mythological marine creatures, meticulously crafted using mother of pearl, shells, corals, precious glass shards, and flecks of marble. The piece is bordered by polychrome crystals, spongy travertine, and ancient Egyptian blue tiles. According to archaeologist Alfonsina Russo, head of the Colosseum Archaeological Park, this discovery is "unmatched" not only due to the incredible preservation of the mosaic, but also its decorative celebratory scenes of naval and land battles, likely commissioned and won by a wealthy aristocratic patron who commemorated their victories on their walls.
Being buried under the earth on Rome's Palatine Hill has protected this fragile mosaic from the elements for centuries.
Emanuele Antonio Minerva/MiC
The team working on the project was astonished by the complexity of the mosaic depictions of victory. The mosaics show a coastal walled town with lookout towers and loggias, which Russo suggested could be an ideal or real-life location, situated atop a cliff made of travertine rock pieces. The scenes also include sailing ships with raised sails, as well as depictions of mythical sea monsters swallowing enemy fleets.
Researchers are working to determine the origin of the intricate and costly coral branches used in the display, which may have come from either the Mediterranean or the Red Sea - both common sources for materials during the Roman era. The design also includes a rare bluish glass paste, believed to have originated from the ancient Egyptian city of Alexandria. After 50 years of neglect, the ancient Roman palace has reopened to the public.
"This banquet hall, measuring 25 square meters (270 square feet), is just one part of a domus (the Latin word for house) spread across multiple floors," Russo explained in an interview with CNN. "In ancient times, powerful noble families living on the Palatine Hill would often use luxurious decorative elements as a way to display their wealth and high social status."
Russo referred to the chamber as a "jewel," noting that it was an outdoor banquet hall with a view of a garden, likely used during the summer for entertaining guests.
"Lead pipes embedded within the decorated walls have been discovered, indicating the use of water games to impress guests, a popular pastime among nobility at the time," reported Russo.
Work continues to uncover more of the secrets of the large home, which could have once belonged to a Roman senator.
Emanuele Antonio Minerva/MiC
According to Marco Rossi, a professor of Roman antiquities and head of the mosaic lab at Romes Università degli Studi di Roma Tre, the summer banquet rooms served not only as a place for hosts and guests to relax, but also as a display of the owner's wealth and status.
"The mosaic, which typically adorns floors, extends across the entire front wall and is exceptionally well-preserved," Rossi commented. "Unlike many ground mosaics that are often damaged by debris, this delicate piece has remained intact and unblemished over the centuries."
Rossi added that finding a whole wall mosaic is very uncommon, especially since they are more fragile compared to the floor pieces that are designed to withstand pressure from being walked on. This discovery sheds light on the enigmatic ancient kingdom with the Bronze Age relics from Sanxingdui.
The location of the grand home has aided in the preservation of its walls, according to scientists. Positioned on the side of Rome's famed Palatine Hill and subsequently covered by centuries of mud and earth as the land shifted, the structure and treasures within have been shielded from the air and light by layers of ground.
As this new discovery still holds many secrets to uncover—such as why the property was abandoned and how long ago—Russo believes there is one mystery archaeologists could potentially solve: the identity of its owner, likely a Roman senator.
"The individual's wealth allowed them to import rare items from across the empire to adorn this mansion," Russo commented. "As of now, we have found no clues to their identity, but we hope that further research will help us identify the noble family."
Russo and her team plan to unveil the space to the public in early January. "We will keep exploring the various layers and sections of this intriguing location (in order to uncover more)," she stated. "It truly showcases the lavishness of Roman culture."
