Fragmentarische Darstellung eines Bullen. Mosaik in der Villa Romana del Casale, einem majestätischen antiken Palast oder Villa aus dem Jahr 300s n. Chr., auf der Piazza Armerina in Sizilien.
2832 x 4256 px | 24 x 36 cm | 9,4 x 14,2 inches | 300dpi
Aufnahmedatum:
26. August 2011
Ort:
Villa Romana del Casale, Piazza Armerina, Enna Province, Sicily, Italy
Weitere Informationen:
Dieses Bild kann kleinere Mängel aufweisen, da es sich um ein historisches Bild oder ein Reportagebild handel
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
