Earlier this month, archaeologists in Italy unearthed a stunning ancient Roman mosaic which bears an unexpected connection to summertime beach wear.
The find was announced on Aug. 4 by the Archaeological Park of Morgantina. It was discovered earlier this year at the Villa Romana del Casale, an ancient Roman estate located in the small Sicilian town of Piazza Armerina. The villa is a well-known site for many famous mosaics, though none has featured such an inscription as the most recent discovery, which was unearthed in a bathing complex and dates back to the fourth century A.D.
“During recent excavation work, two sandals depicted in a mosaic were discovered, resembling modern flip-flops,” a statement from the park explained. “These are not simple decorations, but rather a refined work created by a mosaic artisan of the fourth century, part of a larger mosaic design that adorned the southern bath section of the Villa.” Officials say that the “extraordinary” discovery will help to contextualize “the already vast archaeological heritage of the site.”
Mosaic Accompanied More Significant Findings
In addition to the flip-flop artwork, archaeologists also discovered three columns with intact capitals as well as an inscription in the mosaic itself. “These discoveries once again confirm the exceptionally high artistic and architectural level of the Villa, as well as the importance of the ongoing excavations for the historical and cultural reconstruction of the site,” officials explained. “[They] not only expand knowledge of the Villa Romana del Casale, but also highlight the value of archaeological research as a fundamental tool for rediscovering and telling the stories of the cultures that preceded our own.”
