Mosaics of Villa Romana del Casale: luxury hidden by time (10 photos + 1 video)
Many Roman villas, private residences, and public buildings were decorated with luxurious mosaic floors. 
These patterns served as a symbol of wealth and status. Influential patricians commissioned them to impress guests, choosing scenes that emphasized their status. Some mosaics depicted everyday scenes, such as athletic competitions or bathing women. Others told of bloody gladiator battles, hunting, or mythical monsters. Like any art, these mosaics became an invaluable chronicle of Roman life, from fashion and cuisine to sports. 
One of the richest and best-preserved collections of such mosaics is located at the Villa Romana del Casale, just three kilometers from the Sicilian town of Piazza Armerina. 
The villa was built in the early 4th century on the ruins of an older estate, becoming the center of extensive agricultural lands. Historians speculate that it may have been owned by a noble Roman aristocrat, perhaps even Emperor Maximian. The complex remained inhabited for about 150 years, after which it partially collapsed. The outbuildings were used until the 12th century, when a landslide, probably caused by an earthquake, buried the villa under a layer of earth. 
It was almost forgotten until the ruins were rediscovered in the early 19th century. Excavations began at the end of that century and are still ongoing. 
Villa Romana del Casale is famous for its mosaics, which cover about 3,500 square meters of flooring. Their subjects are carefully selected to match the purpose of the rooms: for example, in the bedrooms there are depicted couples in love, and in the corridors there are large-scale hunting scenes. One of the most impressive mosaics, “The Great Hunt,” shows how animals are caught, placed in cages, and transported to different parts of the empire, from Carthage to the banks of the Nile. 
Another popular motif is sports competitions, especially in the premises of gymnasiums and thermal baths. Here you can see the famous "Bikini Girls" - ten young athletes in costumes that are surprisingly reminiscent of modern swimsuits. One is lifting dumbbells, another is swinging a discus, two are running a race, and two more are playing ball. In the center of the composition is the winner, who is holding a palm branch and placing a wreath of roses on her head. 
Today the villa is open to the public. To protect the fragile mosaics, special walkways were built over them, allowing you to examine every detail without stepping on the ancient masterpieces. 
