Ancient Roman fresco and mosaic reveal lost city
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The city of Rome unveiled a large fresco and mosaic complex depicting a port city from around the first century CE.
Roman authorities revealed the artwork on September 8, according to the AP. Archaeologists discovered the pieces during excavations at the Baths of Trajan near the Colosseum in the 1990s and have been restoring them since. The fresco, named “Colored City,” and the accompanying mosaic show a bird’s-eye view of a walled port city.
City officials state this is the largest ancient Roman wall painting ever found. The artwork preserves details of grand structures including theaters, temples, public squares, and towers. The mosaic reaches approximately 15 meters in height and features scenes of a theatrical stage on its upper section. The lower portion displays another depiction of a port city. Along with the fresco and mosaic, authorities also opened the upper-level, semi-circular library of the Baths of Trajan.
Archaeologists believe this library was part of the bath complex, intended to provide a space for cultural activities for bathers. While the artwork provides a detailed look at urban life from 2,000 years ago, officials have not yet determined which city the paintings portray.
