Snarling brown bear, encircled by acanthus leaves. Mosaic at Villa Romana del Casale, a majestic 300s AD Ancient Roman palace or villa, at Piazza Armerina in Sicily.
Piazza Armerina, Enna Province, Sicily, Italy: this brown bear, encircled by acanthus leaves, is amongst remnants of animal mosaics that once helped pave an ovoid peristyle courtyard, cooled by fountains, that led to the Triclinium or banqueting hall of a majestic Ancient Roman villa or palace now preserved and protected as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Villa Romana del Casale was built in the early 4th Century AD, probably as the residence of a Roman aristocrat or Senator owning a vast agricultural estate. The buildings were inhabited for at least 150 years, but they were badly damaged by the Vandals in the late 5th century, then completely abandoned after a 12th century mudslide. The mud covered the entire site and the villa was largely forgotten, despite the tops of some ruined buildings remaining visible above ground. Sporadic attempts to investigate the site were made in the 19th century, but it was not until the 1950s that the villa’s archaeological treasures were unearthed and their significance fully appreciated. The excavations revealed one of world’s richest, largest and most varied collections of Roman mosaics, covering at least 3,535 square metres. Most were in a remarkably good state of preservation, thanks to the centuries they had lain protected by the deep layer of mud. The naturalistic designs, probably undertaken by African mosaicists, offer superb insights into the luxurious lifestyle enjoyed by the wealthy landowner and his family. Apart from the world-famous ‘bikini girls’ portrayals of female athletes, the mosaics feature numerous exotic animals and mythical creatures, as well as hunting and circus scenes.
Size: 4256px × 2832px
Location: Villa Romana del Casale, Piazza Armerina, Enna Province, Sicily, Italy
Photo credit: © Terence Kerr / Alamy / Afripics
License: Royalty Free
Model Released: No
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