Negrar (Italy) (AFP)
Archaeologists have discovered Roman mosaics perfectly preserved under vineyards in northern Italy, possible elements of a villa sought after for a century, announced the mayor of the locality on Thursday.
The sumptuous mosaics in bright colors and geometric designs, partially uncovered near the town of Negar di Valpolicella, near Verona (North East), could be part of a 3rd century Roman villa, mentioned by archaeologists since 1922 .
"It was very impressive to see the mosaics because of their quality, the beautiful conservation of colors," said AFP mayor Roberto Grison.
The people of this wine region, which produces the Italian red wine Valpoliccela, have known for years that Roman remains were hidden there, based on the first exploratory research dating back a century. The mosaics, found in a place nicknamed the Villa, are however the first great find.
Municipal archaeologist Gianni de Zuccato says he felt like he was "stepping into a time machine" when he came across mosaics with harmonious geometric patterns in red, gray, white and brown.
"It was an incredible sensation, I must admit that I could not keep calm," was moved by the archaeologist, who dates the mosaics to 250-400 years AD.
"I felt like a small child, going back to the past, imagining the time, the people who lived there in this hidden villa", of a possible area of 300 m2, he says.
"We also discovered other parts, devoted to services. There could in fact be some 1,000 m2 of buildings, hidden under a garden," he said.
The municipality of Negar di Valpolicella now dreams of making the remains of the villa as visible as possible, while knowing that the colossal undertaking will require significant funds and will take time.
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