Il mosaico romano di Atina

In 1946, the Discovery of a Roman Mosaic in Atina: An Archaeological Treasure Resurfaces from History

Atina, a town located in the heart of the Comino Valley, at the easternmost edge of the Province of Frosinone, is known for its ancient origins and rich pre-Roman history. Numerous archaeological findings—such as megalithic walls, opus reticulatum structures, tombstones, altars, statues, and coins—have confirmed the presence of Italic and Roman civilizations. These relics have emerged during various reconstruction efforts, often necessitated by the many destructions the city has endured over the centuries, especially after World War II.

The Discovery of the Roman Mosaic

In the spring of 1946, during excavation work for the foundations of a new building, a Roman-era mosaic floor was unearthed. The dig took place in an area historically rich in Roman remains and led to the discovery of this precious artifact. The find occurred in the same area where earthquake-resistant houses had been built after the 1915 earthquake.

The excavation revealed a kiln filled with partially charred bovine and ovine bones, likely remnants of an epizootic outbreak over a century earlier. As the excavation deepened, several layers of earth containing organic and plant remains were uncovered. At a depth of about 3 meters, a beautifully preserved figurative mosaic floor was discovered.

Details of the Find

The mosaic floor had a noticeable slope towards the center, with a drainage hole connected to a channeling system. Along the walls, fragments of marble plinths and wall coverings were found, allowing experts to reconstruct the original decoration. White marble with black veins and ancient yellow marble with reddish veins were used for moldings and paneling.

The floor's structure, composed of a layer of compressed clay and a sublayer of bricks and lime mortar, revealed refined construction techniques. Despite some depressions likely caused by earthquakes, the floor was in good condition, showing signs of wear and later repairs.

Archaeological Interpretation

The findings suggest the floor belonged to the atrium of a Roman house, equipped with a drainage system for rainwater falling into the impluvium, or possibly an antechamber. The location, outside the medieval city walls and near probable remains of thermal baths and a theatre, was likely one of the most prestigious areas in ancient Atina.

Preservation and Restoration

After documentation and analysis, the mosaic floor was sectioned and dismantled by specialized workers from the Superintendence of Antiquities in Rome. It was then transported to the laboratory of the National Museum of the Baths of Diocletian for restoration and remounting on a rigid support.

The information in this article is taken from Volume IV of the Proceedings of the National Academy of the Lincei (1950) and adapted for the web.