Ancient Roman Villa Mosaic Discovered Underwater Near Naples

A remarkable discovery has been made off the coast of Naples, where a mosaic from the floor of an ancient Roman villa has been uncovered on the seabed. This mosaic, originally part of the “protiro” or decorated porch of a villa in the ancient spa town of Baiae, is now submerged due to a geological phenomenon known as bradyseism, which causes the ground to shift. The villa, once a luxurious residence for notable figures like Julius Caesar and Emperor Nero, has been lost to the sea as the land sank over time. The mosaic is primarily composed of irregularly shaped pieces of reused marble, a common practice from the 3rd to the 5th century CE. The damage to the marble is attributed to the collapse of the room's walls, which stood over 10 meters high. Ongoing underwater excavations aim to restore and reconstitute the mosaic, with some sections already removed for cleaning and preservation on land. Local officials, including Mayor Josi Gerardo Della Ragione, have expressed excitement over the find, describing it as “stupendous.” He noted that the mosaic was laid shortly before the geological events submerged the villa, highlighting its historical significance. The area, known as Campi Flegrei or the Phlegraean Fields, is a volcanic region with a rich history of eruptions, the last major one occurring in 1538. Recent seismic activity has raised concerns among experts, suggesting that the volcano may be reawakening after centuries of dormancy.