Roman mosaic found during in Tivoli

A Roman mosaic floor from the early Imperial period has been discovered during fiberoptic cable installation in Tivoli, 20 miles north of Rome. The mosaic features black and white tiles arranged in geometric patterns.

The mosaic emerged in the excavation for the laying of cable near the church of Sant’Andrea. The discovery spurred an archaeological investigation of the wider area unearthed remains from the ancient city that were converted into tombs, likely in the Middle Ages, although the chronology has yet to be established.

The origins of the ancient city of Tibur go back to the 13th century B.C., and it was prominent in the Etruscan period as the seat of the Tiburtine Sibyl. It maintained its religious significance under Roman rule, and its proximity to Rome, natural beauty and convenient location on the Via Tiburtina, the road that crossed the Apennines made it a desirable destination for country villas of wealthy Romans.

The artistry of the mosaic floor, the technique in the geometric patterning, points to it having been created by high-end craftsmen, comparable to the mosaic work in public buildings and the luxury private homes. The area where the floor was found is known for important structures, including ones with elaborate mosaic floors.

The agreement between cable company FiberCop and the Superintendency of Archaeology, Fine Arts, and Landscape for the metropolitan area of ​​Rome and the province of Rieti ensures that any archaeological finds are .

The operational model includes preventive verification of historical and archaeological information and ongoing monitoring. If any discoveries are made, work is immediately suspended, with targeted extension of investigations, documentation, and site safety measures. When necessary, alternative technical solutions, such as replanning routes or on-site protection, are adopted to avoid impacting the ancient deposits.

The agreement also applies to protected areas, transforming excavations for underground utilities into opportunities for understanding, protecting, and updating the city’s archaeological map. Data and materials will be transferred to the Superintendency’s archives for further scientific analysis and the possible implementation of safeguards aimed at protecting and conserving the assets, contributing to more informed urban planning and future enhancement efforts.

* This article was originally published here