Archaeological discoveries reveal Roman mosaics and ancient structures in Italy and Turkey

Archaeologists have made significant discoveries in Italy and Turkey involving ancient Roman structures and artwork.

In Rome, excavations at Villa Celimontana on the Caelian Hill have uncovered a richly decorated second-century building. The site features elaborate mosaics, including one depicting marine life such as a dolphin, fish, lobster, and crab. Due to similarities with mosaics found in Ostia, researchers believe the building may have been connected to the Vigiles, the ancient Roman firefighting and night-watch force, potentially providing new insights into the scale of Rome’s imperial military complexes.

In Aspendos, Turkey, excavations have revealed an exceptional third-century Roman mosaic depicting the river god Eurymedon. The mosaic was found within a structure measuring six by twenty-five meters, likely a monumental fountain or nymphaeum, which was renovated following an earthquake in 262 AD. The artwork portrays Eurymedon as a young man reclining on an amphora from which water flows, surrounded by vegetation and fish, symbolizing fertility and prosperity.