Rome unveils largest ancient Roman mural mosaic and 2,000-year-old fresco

Archaeologists in Rome have unveiled two major ancient artworks following a 14-year restoration project: the ‘Great Mosaic’ and a 2,000-year-old fresco known as the ‘Painted City’. Located beneath the Oppian Hill near the Colosseum, these finds were discovered during excavations in the 1990s within the complex of Trajan's Baths.

The ‘Great Mosaic’ measures 10 meters high and 16 meters long. It is considered the largest mural mosaic ever found from the Roman world, depicting a complex architectural scene with columns, statues, and human figures. Experts are still investigating whether the work was part of Emperor Nero's Domus Aurea or a separate private residence.

The ‘Painted City’ fresco, measuring approximately 10 square meters, provides a bird's-eye view of a walled port city, complete with towers and public squares. Despite its age, the original blue and terracotta tones remain visible. The site is being opened to the public in limited groups to monitor the impact of humidity and climate on the sensitive works.