Divers Discover Mesmerizing Roman Mosaic Beneath the Sea
A Roman mosaic from the third century C.E. was discovered underwater near Naples in Baiae, revealing insights into ancient life. Restoration efforts are ongoing to preserve this archaeological find.
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A remarkable Roman mosaic has been discovered underwater near Naples, Italy, in the ancient city of Baiae, known for its luxurious villas during the late Roman Empire. The mosaic, believed to date back to the third century C.E., was part of a villa's entrance and features a style known as "opus sectile," where artists cut shapes to fit the design. Baiae was a popular destination for Roman elites, including Julius Caesar and Nero, known for its indulgent lifestyle. The villa, which once boasted walls up to 32 feet tall, succumbed to bradyseism, a geological phenomenon that caused the ground to sink, leading to its submersion in the Gulf of Pozzuoli.
Currently, restoration efforts are underway, as the mosaic is fragile and has broken into many pieces. Researchers are submerging recovered fragments in freshwater to remove salt and plan to recreate some designs on land. The discovery has excited local officials, who see it as a valuable glimpse into ancient Roman life and artistry. The area is also a popular site for divers exploring various submerged ruins, including ancient fountains and baths. The ongoing work aims to preserve this significant archaeological find and enhance public engagement with the history hidden beneath the sea.
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9 commentsMost importantly though, since the city was abandoned at roughly the same time, it's still an intact city, so you see how everything was connected, rather than just a ruin here and a temple there. You see it as a complete entity.
How would this happen in such a uniform way, such that the precise configuration (and the flatness!) of the floor is preserved? Wouldn't this have been an uneven process that would have broken the floor apart?
It seems more plausible that this floor being underwater now is the result of a rise in sea levels. Can a geologist explain how a floor remains flat and a mosaic remains largely intact while sinking into the ocean?
It's crazy to think that there's a whole geologic strata of Roman artifacts.
Caesar didn't rule in “late” Roman Empire — in fact, he didn't get to see the empire at all, since the first emperor was his successor, Augustus.
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