A flawlessly protected ancient Roman mosaic floor has been found near the northern Italian city of Verona.
Archaeologists were astounded by the discovery as it came approximately a century after the remains of a villa, assumed to date to the 3rd century AD, were uncovered in a hilly area above the town of Negrar di Valpolicella, the Guardian reported.
After the discovery in 1922, the site was essentially left deserted until a team from the Superintendent of Archaeology, Fine Arts and Landscape of Verona renewed digging last summer. The team returned to the site in October and again in February before the excavation was suspended because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The mosaic was located a few metres below a row of vines a week after work got going again.
“After countless decades of failed attempts, part of the floor and foundations of the Roman villa located north of Verona, discovered by scholars a century ago, has finally been brought to light,” authorities from Negrar di Valpolicella wrote on the town’s Facebook page.
“The superintendent will now liaise with the owners of the area and municipality to identify the most appropriate ways of making this archaeological treasure, which has always been hidden beneath our feet, available and accessible.”
According to Guardian, Roberto Grison, the mayor of Negrar di Valpolicella, told the local newspaper L’Arena: “We believe a cultural site of this value deserves attention and should be enhanced. For this reason, together with the superintendent and those in charge of agricultural funds, we will find a way to make this treasure enjoyable.”
What's happening in Tunisia?
Subscribe to our Youtube channel for updates.
