Représentation fragmentaire d'un taureau. Mosaic à la Villa Romana del Casale, un majestueux palais ou villa romain antique de 300s ans, à la Piazza Armerina en Sicile.
2832 x 4256 px | 24 x 36 cm | 9,4 x 14,2 inches | 300dpi
Date de la prise de vue:
26 août 2011
Lieu:
Villa Romana del Casale, Piazza Armerina, Enna Province, Sicily, Italy
Informations supplémentaires:
Cette image peut avoir des imperfections car il s’agit d’une image historique ou de reportage.
Piazza Armerina, Enna Province, Sicily, Italy: this fragmentary depiction of a bull is amongst restored remnants of animal and bird mosaics that once helped pave an ovoid peristyle courtyard, cooled by fountains, that led to the Triclinium or banqueting hall of a majestic ancient Roman villa or palace now preserved and protected as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Villa Romana del Casale was built in the early 4th Century AD, probably as the residence of a Roman aristocrat or senator owning a vast agricultural estate. The buildings were inhabited for at least 150 years, but they were badly damaged by the Vandals in the late 5th century, then completely abandoned after a 12th century mudslide. The mud covered the entire site and the villa was largely forgotten, despite the tops of some ruined buildings remaining visible above ground. Sporadic attempts to investigate the site were made in the 19th century, but it was not until the 1950s that the villa’s archaeological treasures were unearthed and their significance fully appreciated. The excavations revealed one of world’s richest, largest and most varied collections of Roman mosaics, covering at least 3, 535 square metres. Most were in a remarkably good state of preservation, thanks to the centuries they had lain protected by the deep layer of mud. The naturalistic designs, probably undertaken by African mosaicists, offer superb insights into the luxurious lifestyle enjoyed by the wealthy landowner and his family. Apart from the world-famous ‘bikini girls’ portrayals of female athletes, the mosaics feature numerous exotic animals and mythical creatures, as well as hunting and circus scenes. D1245.B4853
