Roman Villa Research Articles

A Late Antique Decorated Casket and Jewellery from the Roman Villa at Fordham, Essex

Abstract During excavations of a Roman villa at Fordham, Essex, a remarkable series of decorated bone and antler veneer plaques were recovered from villa destruction deposits. They are datable to the later fourth or fifth centuries a.d. and probably once adorned a casket holding bathing equipment and jewellery. Spread through the three main rooms of the villa, fragments were recovered from at least 10 metres apart, so the object is likely already to have been broken when deposited. The plaques are decorated with ‘late antique’ style figural, zoomorphic, vegetal and architectural motifs on a cross-hatched background, with the best-preserved design probably relating to female bathing.

New Observations on the Dionysian Scene Mosaic Panels in the House of the Triumph of Dionysus in Daphne-Antiocheia: Iconographic Description of the Periaktos System in the Decorative Architecture of the Theatre Stage Building

and French teams between 1932 and 1940 uncovered Roman ruins such as a theatre, church and villa. In the publications on the mosaic, the objects on either side of the actors and masks in the L-shaped panels of the Dionysian centre panel in the Dionysian Victory House have been interpreted as boxes and drawers. With this study, it has been seen that the mosaic panel of the Roman villa called “The House of the Triumph of Dionysus”, where a theatrical theme related to the god Dionysos is processed, is the first known iconographic expression of the wooden, prismatic rotating decor system periaktos found in the theatre stage building. We know about the periaktos from the accounts of Vitruvius. Since this decor system was made of wood, it was not possible to find archaeological remains of it. The only archaeological data on the periaktos system is the stone platform on which the periaktos system sits in the stage building of the Kaunos theatre discovered by Prof. Varkıvanç. With this study, the pictorial expression of the stage decor system on mosaics, which we know from Vitruvius’ reports, has also been identified.

Analytical characterization of historical mortars from the Roman villa of Frielas (Loures, Portugal)

The analytical characterization of mortar samples from the Roman archaeological site of Frielas, located in Lisbon, Portugal; was carried out by means of X-diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetry (TGA-DTG), optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), acid attack and granulometric analysis. A total of eighteen mortar samples were collected from the different structures of the villa with different functional uses (render, filler, and floor). The results showed a similar composition of binder, while differences in aggregates allowed to establish several groups. Results were discussed as evidence of manufacturing techniques, production technologies, and provenance of possible raw materials. There was no prominent variation that can suggest a different chronology between the group of samples. Though, it is assumed that there might be some renovation, restoration, or partial rebuilding that occurred in the same period. In terms of production technology, proportions ruled by Vitruvius were not followed.

Unpublished antefixes and a mould fragment from Brigetio in the collection of the Hungarian National Museum

AbstractThere are six antefixes and an antefix mould from Roman Brigetio (Komárom-Szőny, Hungary) in the collection of the Hungarian National Museum, which are the first antefixes to be published from Brigetio. All made in the form of tragic masks with desperate expressions, they can be classified into two types based on their appearance. The only Type 1 antefix is characterized by straight, stylized hair and high onkos, with close parallels in Aquincum. The other five antefixes belong to Type 2 and were made in the same mould. These feature a male head with open mouth and wavy, shoulder-length hear with what appears to be a topknot. The mould fragment was the negative form of the Type 2 antefixes. Type 2 antefixes made in Brigetio were also found in the Roman villa of Ravazd.

The Roman villa at the Castle of Baia (Naples, Italy): investigations on the polychromy of frescoed surfaces by using non-destructive spectroscopic techniques

During the Roman age, the southern promontory of the gulf of Baia was the perfect location for the construction of villae maritimae for the Roman élite that decided to spend their summer residences by the sea.One of these residences is now located in the military fortress of the Castello Aragonese di Baia, built in 1495 CE during the Aragonese period (15th century). Here, during restoration works, the ruins of the residential sector of the villa, which historical sources ascribe to Caesar, were unearthed. The most representative evidence of this is the outstanding in situ remain of mosaics, decorated plasters and finely frescoed surfaces decorated according to the repertoire of the II style. This research aims to investigate the polychromy of a wall decoration representing a perspective depiction of architectural scenes en trompe l'oeil analysed by means of a multi-analytical, non-destructive approach performed in situ. The combined use of spectroscopic techniques (portable X-ray fluorescence, Raman and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy) points out the use of a characteristic Roman palette, quantitatively assessed by colorimetric measurements. It consists of red and yellow ochre, calcite, hematite, organic black pigments, precious materials such as cinnabar and Egyptian blue, green copper compounds. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy also revealed the presence of synthetic resins, likely used for the conservation of mural paintings. These are, however, damaged by atmospheric humidity, as detected by Infrared Thermography. Gypsum has been identified as the main weathering product.

Göktepe Marble Identification in the Hadrian Portrait of Los Torrejones (Yecla, Murcia) and some Considerations on the Presence of this Marble in Hispania

This work characterises the high-quality white marble used in the bust of Emperor Hadrian found in the Roman villa of Los Torrejones (Yecla, Murcia). The analytical results, compared with the databases pertaining to Hispanic and Mediterranean quarry marbles, reveal its source in the quarries of Göktepe, in Muğla province, Western Turkey. The historical implications of the presence in the villa of an imperial portrait of such quality are discussed. The results also emphasise the importance of undertaking future complete archaeometric analysis of marble materials used in the sculptures of Hispania, only way to certify the provenance of the stone and, in this case, to better understand the distribution reached by the varieties of Göktepe marble in the Iberian Peninsula.

Multichannel GPR and multi-depth electromagnetic surveys for the study of Villa Eucheria and Aquinum at Castrocielo (Frosinone, Central Italy)

The municipality of Castrocielo (Frosinone, Italy) is a historically significant center which includes several centers of great archaeological importance, including part of the archaeological site of the ancient Roman city of Aquinum. In this work, we show the results of geophysical surveys performed in two different areas: the first area is close to the Monacato of Santa Maria al Palazzolo, built on the foundation slab of a Roman villa dating back to the 1st-2nd century BCE; the second area is close to the charging station Casilina Est, where several burials, dating back to different periods from 4th century BCE to 4th century CE, were found. The aims of geophysical investigations is to identify structures linked to the ancient Roman villa (Villa Eucheria) in Area 1, and to identify the tombs of the necropolis in Area 2. The two areas were investigated in two different days, on 27th and 28 th March 2023 respectively, through a multi-channel georadar system (GPR). In the second area, an electro-magnetometric survey was also performed. This choise is to address the heavy rain developed during the night before the acquisition. Infact the GPR survey performed during the second day of the geophysical campaign did not provide good results.Based on the geophysical results, the archaeological excavation in Area 1 confirmed the detected anomalies, documenting a section of wall and other structures and elements brought to light over a length of approximately 9 m. The results obtained in Area 2 confirmed the cropmarks visible in the aerial photo, highlighting the traces of buried structures.

Villa del Casale Piazza Armerina (EN): New data related to geophysical investigations

The Roman Villa at Piazza Armerina, which has been on the UNESCO list of sites since 1997, is an exceptional example of a prestigious residence from the Late Antiquity period.Most of the area around the villa has not yet been explored and it is thought there are structures linked to the layout of the villa itself and subsequent modifications from the medieval era.With these assumptions and to plan an excavations campaign in the area close to the villa's warehouses geophysical surveys were undertaken in the summer of 2022 and 2023.Ground penetrating radar, magnetometry (in gradiometric configuration), and inductive electromagnetometry geophysical methods were used. These different methods were taken into consideration depending on the more or less conductive subsoil matrix. Results show the presence of several structures of archaeological interest.

Production technique and multi-analytical characterization of a paint-plastered ceiling from the Late Antique villa of Negrar (Verona, Italy)

The research focuses on analyzing the production techniques and materials of a Roman paint-plastered ceiling from a Late Antique Roman villa near Negrar (Verona, Italy), recently uncovered. Stylistic features of the decoration, found in reworked collapse debris during the villa’s excavation, date the ceiling to the original construction phase in the 4th century CE. The paper presents the protocol we adopted for recovering and analyzing the painted decoration of the villa, which was in-laboratory recomposed in its original layout after a meticulous and systematic retrieval of fragmented materials. Microsamples of mortar and pigment were then taken to fully reconstruct the execution technique and raw materials used in the paint-plastered ceiling, detailing the application of the tectorium and pigment preparation. Mortar samples were analyzed to define preparatory layer properties, using various analytical techniques including Transmitted-Light Polarized Optical Microscopy (TL-OM) and Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analysis (SEM-EDS). Optical reflected-light microscopy detected guide incisions on the preparatory mortar, while Reflected-Light Optical Microscopy (RL-OM) revealed the microstratigraphy of pictorial micro-layers. Micro-samplings of painted decorations were conducted to define pigment palettes, determining their mineralogical composition through X-Ray Powder Diffraction (XRPD) analysis coupled with micro-Raman analyses for the determination of carbon-based compounds. The research aims to establish a comprehensive protocol for future endeavors, integrating archaeological reassembly with precise micro-analyses of pigments and mortars, deciphering the intricate layout of ancient, fragmented decorations. This study is the first of its kind in Northern Italy, overcoming challenges posed by fragmented and reworked artifacts in previous research, enabling detailed analytical studies like those conducted here. Moreover, this study of the paint-plastered ceiling of the Late Roman villa of Negrar aims to provide a new impulse for the knowledge of Late Antique painting techniques and materials, which were only marginally considered within Roman painting tradition so far.

Intensively Cultivated Roman Villae Estates: Case Study of Medulin Bay (Istria, Croatia)

ABSTRACTOur image of the Roman landscape of Istria is characterised by large‐scale centuriation and architectural remains of Roman villae. Detection and mapping of other, less dramatic landscape features require systematic large‐scale prospection, but this faces significant difficulties in the Mediterranean environment. However, the developments in the field of airborne laser scanning offer the possibility to create archaeologically usable digital terrain models under water and under very dense and low maquis vegetation. This paper reports on the use of terrain models created using a green laser and a sophisticated archaeologically driven ground point filtering strategy. Combined with archaeological aerial photo interpretation, this provides the means for landscape mapping and interpretation that has revealed a wealth of archaeological structures hinting at Roman agricultural practices and landscape. Our case study is based on a laser scan of about 24 km2 of land and underwater terrain in Medulin Bay. Processed, visualised and interpreted for archaeological purposes, the data reveal not only features ranging from prehistoric hilltop settlements to modern military installations but also features a complex picture of the Roman land use. Of particular interest is the large number of planting pits, which extend over a total length of 4 km. They were laid on a regular grid of approximately 35 × 35 m, sometimes combined in contiguous parcels. They can be interpreted as remains of orchards or tree nurseries of Roman date, and the paper examines also the question of whether they can be linked to the associated Roman estates. The case study area presented here shows that the potential of remote sensing methods goes far beyond the mere finding of traditional sites but can open up new landscape‐scale perspectives on regions that have been archaeologically little explored.

Mortars and Renders: The Case of the Roman Villa Horta da Torre Fronteira, Portugal

The archaeological site of villa Horta da Torre in Portugal reveals distinctive architectural features within the context of Roman villae in Hispania. Notably, the triclinium was designed with an artificial cascade originating from a double apse wall, and the walls were adorned with mosaic tessellae panels and marble skirting. During the Roman era, the surrounding area belonged to the former province of Lusitania, with Augusta Emerita serving as its capital. This study examines 11 mortar samples from various contexts and functions, such as masonry, preparatory, render, and opus signinum mortars. A set of complementary analytical techniques was employed to determine the textural and mineralogical compositions of the mortars. The aim was to gain insights into the production techniques and the selection of raw materials within the geological context of this rural construction. It was observed that the processing of raw materials and production techniques did not always adhere to the rules of Vitruvius. A comparison with other villas revealed comparatively less meticulous attention to sand selection and precise layering for mural painting. Nevertheless, it was noted that in preparatory layers for the supranucleus and nucleus tesserae, ceramic pieces were intentionally added to improve the mortar. The binder used was calcitic lime, likely obtained from locally sourced limestone. The nature of aggregates is diversified but consistent with the local geological provenance within a radius of less than 3 km, in accordance with two sand exploration sites. This research aligns with the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, contributing specifically to SDG 11 and Target 11.4, which “aims to strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage”.

A 2000-Year-Old Bacillus stercoris Strain Sheds Light on the Evolution of Cyclic Antimicrobial Lipopeptide Synthesis.

Some bacteria (notably the genera Bacillus and Clostridium) have the capacity to form endospores that can survive for millions of years in isolated habitats. The genomes of such ancient bacteria provide unique opportunities to understand bacterial evolution and metabolic capabilities over longer time scales. Herein, we sequenced the genome of a 2000-year-old bacterial strain (Mal05) isolated from intact apple seeds recovered during archaeological excavations of a Roman villa in Italy. Phylogenomic analyses revealed that this strain belongs to the species Bacillus stercoris and that it is placed in an early-branching position compared to most other strains of this species. Similar to other Bacillus species, B. stercoris Mal05 had been previously shown to possess antifungal activity. Its genome encodes all the genes necessary for the biosynthesis of fengycin and surfactin, two cyclic lipopeptides known to play a role in the competition of Bacilli with other microorganisms due to their antimicrobial activity. Comparative genomics and analyses of selective pressure demonstrate that these genes are present in all sequenced B. stercoris strains, despite the fact that they are not under strong purifying selection. Hence, these genes may not be essential for the fitness of these bacteria, but they can still provide a competitive advantage against other microorganisms present in the same environment.

The Roman Villa of l’Albir (Alicante, Spain). The use of Blender and the Extended Matrix in the virtual reconstruction

The Roman Villa of l’Albir (Alicante, Spain). The use of Blender and the Extended Matrix in the virtual reconstruction

On the Specificities of the Arion Mosaic in the Villa del Casale (Piazza Armerina): Contribution to the Study of Arion Representations in Ancient Art

The paper deals with the representation of Arion on the monumental floor mosaic in one of the most representative rooms of the Roman Villa del Casale in Sicily, dating from the beginning of the 4th century (fig. 1, 2). It is special in many respects. It is the most monumental and magnificent representation of Arion in ancient art. Arion is depicted in the central part of а complex mosaic consisting of many scenes, figures and motifs. He is sitting on a dolphin and playing music on his instrument. The dolphin motif in this scene is unique and not examined in the literature, leaving much room for research. To our knowledge, it is a unique example of a dolphin ridden by Arion, shown hunting its prey, which is certainly not a coincidence or a descriptive detail of the artist, but a reflection of his knowledge and the clear intention of the patrons of the mosaic. On the contrary, this detail subtly explains the meaning of the entire mosaic illustrating the story of Arion and the reasons for his appearance. It suggests that the owners of the villa either belonged to the highest Roman aristocracy of their time, or perhaps were even related to the imperial family. By examining the history of the specific dolphin motif it is shown that this detail bears the symbolism of victory, thus, corresponding to the meaning of the Arion mosaic and other mosaics in Villa del Casale.

Il “gran finale” del De consulatu Stilichonis di Claudiano

The final episode of Claudian’s De consulatu Stilichonis (carm. 24, 237-369) describes the hunt of animals to be brought to Rome for the hunting spectacles (venationes) which the consul Stilicho generously aimed to offer to the city. The hunt covers an extraordinarily wide geographical area (Europe, Africa, India); the goddess Diana is the protagonist of the scene and directs the action; her companions, the Nymphs, collaborate with her. The passage offers many insights for analysis, from different perspectives: in this paper, I focus mainly on the encomiastic motifs that emerge, on several levels, from the staging of the hunt, and on the aesthetics of its representation, with its distinctly ecphrastic, visual, and spectacular character. Both aspects, ideological and poetic one, are related to literary references (in particular, Ovid and the poets of the Flavian period, Statius and Martial) and iconographic material culture (the great African mosaics of Late Antiquity, above all the “Great Hunt” of the Roman Villa of Piazza Armerina).

Soldiers on the Digs. Archaeological Excavations in Switzerland Involving the Deuxieme Division des Chasseurs

During the Second World War, Polish soldiers of the 2nd Rifle Division (Deuxieme Division des Chasseurs) were interned in Switzerland. Some of them were briefly employed on archaeological excavations in the cantons of Aargau, Lucerne, Solothurn, and Thurgau. In this last location, Karl Keller-Tarnuzzer organised the most productive cooperation with the Poles, investigating the pile-dwelling settlements of Pfyn-Breitenloo and Arbon-Bleiche 2 in 1944 and 1945, respectively. Earlier, Polish soldiers had been employed in the investigation of Roman villas at Aeschi (Solothurn) and Bellikon (Aargau), and the Neolithic pile-dwelling settlement of Burgäschisee-Ost (Solothurn), among other sites. The work involving the Poles was usually carried out efficiently, to the satisfaction of both sides. It has earned a worthy place in the history of Swiss archaeology, with the results often cited in various publications.

A Roman villa at Newhall, Harlow, Essex

This note highlights the recent finding of a previously unknown Roman villa with evidence for ‘watery’ deposits and subsequent early medieval activity.

Jernlænken fra Fæsted

Jernlænken fra Fæsted

HARMONIOUS INTRUSION: MANKIND AND NATURE IN STATIUS’ SILVAE 1.3

AbstractThere are three conventionally held views about the relationship between mankind and nature in the Roman villa: man is master over the natural landscape; villas were positioned at vantage points so that the downward gaze of a dominus reinforced his domination; gardens offered opportunities to bring order upon nature. This article argues to the contrary that Manilius Vopiscus’ villa in Statius’ Siluae 1.3 presents a harmonious relationship between key natural features, the villa architecture and the villa proprietor himself. Nature sometimes takes precedence, while the villa complements and integrates with the environment. This allows us to appreciate the nuances in Statius’ overall presentation of the relationship between mankind and nature in Book 1 and in other poems in the Siluae.

Agricultural Dynamics in Southwestern Mediterranean France from the End of the Iron Age to the Early Middle Ages

ABSTRACT The north-western Mediterranean rural world underwent major socioeconomic and cultural changes between the Late Iron Age and the beginning of the Middle Ages, with a decisive impact on the evolution of agricultural production, practices and landscapes. Roman expansion led to the spread of villae (2nd–1st c. BC), leading to a new structuration of rural areas and the development of a speculative agriculture that favoured wine production. By the end of the Roman period, new changes are observed: while certain Roman villae are still occupied, the appearance of a new network of rural settlements reveals the emergence of a new form of rural economy. Although these changes are increasingly well documented by archaeology, their impact on the agrarian production and practices remains little explored. The multiplication of archaeobotanical investigations in southwestern Mediterranean France allows us to present a first review of farming practices and their evolution during this key period. The study of 30 rural sites provides new data concerning local agriculture between the 2nd c. BC and the 8th c. AD (cultivated plants, prevalence of certain species, farming practices, exploited landscapes) and attempts to detect potential evolutions over time such as changes in staple crops, diversification, exploitation of new ‘terroirs’.