In 1946, the Discovery of a Roman Mosaic in Atina: an Archaeological Treasure Resurfaced from History
Atina, a town located in the heart of the Comino Valley, at the far eastern edge of the Province of Frosinone, is known for its ancient origins and rich pre-Roman history. Numerous archaeological testimonies, including megalithic walls, opus reticulatum works, tombstones, altars, statues, and coins, have confirmed the presence of ancient Italic and Roman civilizations. These artifacts emerged during various reconstruction works, made necessary by the numerous destructions the city has suffered over the centuries, especially after World War II.
The Discovery of the Roman Mosaic
In 1946, during excavations for the foundations of a new building, a Roman-era mosaic floor was unearthed. The excavations, which took place in the spring of 1946 in an area historically rich in Roman relics, brought this precious mosaic to light. The discovery was made in the same area where some earthquake-resistant houses had been built after the 1915 earthquake.
The excavations revealed a furnace filled with partially charred bovine and ovine bones, likely remnants of an epizootic disease from over a hundred years ago. As the excavation continued, several layers of soil containing organic and plant residues were found. At a depth of about 3 meters, a figurative mosaic floor in excellent condition was discovered.
Details of the Discovery
The mosaic floor had a clear slope towards the center, with a drain leading into a channeling system. Along the walls, fragments of baseboards and marble coverings were found, allowing for the reconstruction of the original decoration. White marble with black veins and ancient yellow marble with reddish veins were used for the frames and coverings.
The floor stratification, consisting of a layer of compressed clay and a layer of screed made of bricks and lime mortar, revealed a very meticulous construction technique. Despite some depressions likely caused by earthquakes, the floor was found to be in good condition, with evident signs of wear and subsequent restorations.
Archaeological Interpretation
The findings suggest that this was the atrium of a Roman house, equipped with a system for draining rainwater from the impluvium, or an antechamber. The area of the discovery, outside the medieval walls and close to probable remains of thermal baths and a theater, was likely one of the most prestigious in the city.
Conservation and Restoration
After surveys and verifications, the mosaic floor was sectioned and dismantled by specialized workers from the Superintendence of Antiquities of Rome. Subsequently, it was transported to the laboratory of the National Museum of the Baths of Diocletian to be restored and reassembled on a special rigid support.
The information in this text was taken from Volume IV of the Proceedings of the National Academy of the Lincei from 1950 and adapted for the web.