Villa del Casale--miles of tiles

After lunch we packed ourselves back on the bus for the trip to the fourth century AD Villa Romana del Casale.

Known for its 4000+ square yards of mosaics. The forty rooms contain both decorations and themes. We don't know who created it but it is thought to be Maximian or some other tetrarch -- a big shot like a Roman emperor. At top could be a mosaic of him rewarding the winner of a chariot race. Typically such decorations would be consistent for the whole room, sort of like wallpaper in a kid's bedroom but without the repetition.

Villa Romana del Casale has had a rough time being destroyed by fire and then buried in mud and landslides in the 12^th century. Fortunately the mosaic floors were very durable and have more or less survived. The work is thought to be by North African tradesman who laid out the floors so that visitors entering the room would get maximal impact. The place has both large public rooms and baths and well as a more private living space in the rear.

a butt in down place

Better ask your mother if you can see this next picture of the Cubiclo della Scena Erotica:

2 more of the 40 rooms

There is a very long corridor with hunt scenes. This mosaic may be from there. Fellow travelers, please tell me if I got this wrong.

Here's another one showing the skill of these artists:

Jockettes

And, of course, we have to end with the famous bikini clad girl athletes. There are ten of them but without a wide angle lens, I had to settle for two:

After viewing that scene, there was nothing left to do but venture to Siracusa and our hotel. Please join us for the next day's activities by clicking here.

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