Colossal · Creativity & design

Largest Roman Mosaic Unearthed in Rome

A monumental mosaic, potentially the largest in the Roman world, has opened to the public at the Museum of the Baths of Trajan in Rome. The artwork was discovered in 2011 and has undergone extensive conservation.

Measuring 33 feet wide and 52.5 feet high, the "Great Mosaic" is part of a 2nd-century bath complex built by Emperor Trajan. It may have originated from Nero's Domus Aurea or another lavish dwelling incorporated into the site. Many of its tesserae are missing, possibly used in the baths' construction.

The mosaic depicts architectural features resembling a theatrical set, statues of the Muses, and marble-like patterns. Archaeologists are still excavating parts of it, focusing on scenes of wine-making. Visitors can view much of the artwork from an elevated walkway.

Also on display for the first time is the "Painted City," an architectural fresco found in the 1990s within the same complex. Its depiction of a port city, with unusual aerial perspectives and public squares, remains a mystery regarding whether it represents a real or imaginary location.

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