The third mosaic is discovered in Durrës, in the villa that has withstood three earthquakes in over two thousand years

2024-06-04 20:07:48, Kulturë CNA

The third mosaic is discovered in Durrës, in the villa that has withstood

Archaeological excavations in Durrës are revealing new mosaics in an area where there is a villa from the Roman period that, according to archaeologists, was hit by three earthquakes and a fire in over two thousand years.

"After the first two mosaics in this area, a third mosaic has come to light," archaeologist Luan Perzhita, who heads the mission, told the Voice of America.

According to Mr. Përzhita , "the first mosaic has been discovered so far on an area of ??about 30 square meters and excavations will continue to reveal the rest. The second mosaic occupies an area of ??12 square meters, while the third mosaic is in one of the rooms of the villa with an area of ??4 square meters.

Archaeologists believe that in terms of surface area, the 3 mosaics are the largest discovered so far in Durrës, a city known for its archaeological treasures.

In addition to mosaics, building structures up to three meters high, colorful frescoes of a high artistic level, similar to Pompeii in Italy, speak of an area that was inhabited by the upper class of society in the 2nd century AD.

"It is interesting the fact that the luxurious villa where the largest finds were recorded was destroyed by an earthquake of the 4th century AD, which is mentioned in ancient sources. Today's excavations show the collapse of the shelter from this earthquake," said archaeologist Perzhita.

The villa has signs of burning that belong to a later period and after the reconstruction in the 5th century, it was abandoned again by another earthquake that hit Durrës.

The third earthquake of 2019 damaged a school built on archaeological ruins, and while the school was being reconstructed, ancient traces came to light where archaeologists later discovered the villa and wall structures that speak of an important archaeological area.

The excavations have so far been spread over an area of ??1,200 square meters and are expected to bring, according to archaeologists, other historical data, while the archaeological area has a wider extent./ VOA