Villa Romana del Casale, Roman archaeological site in Piazza Armerina, Italy.
Villa Romana del Casale is a Roman archaeological complex in Piazza Armerina with residential chambers, thermal baths, and sprawling floor mosaics covering more than thirty-five hundred square meters. The compound includes several interconnected halls, galleries, and courtyards whose floors are covered with figurative depictions.
The complex was built in the fourth century after Christ for a Roman aristocrat and remained hidden under mud for centuries after a landslide from Monte Mangone. Excavations began in the nineteen-fifties and revealed one of the best-preserved Roman residences.
The name comes from the Latin word for country estate and points to its original purpose as a residence for the ruling class. Today visitors walk along raised walkways that hover above the mosaic floors and allow a direct view of depictions showing hunts, mythological figures, and everyday scenes.
During summer the opening hours are extended so visitors can still walk through the compound in late afternoon. Most pathways and exhibition areas are designed to be accessible and allow a comfortable tour along the raised walkways.
In one chamber ten female figures are depicted wearing two-piece garments reminiscent of modern sportswear while shown discus throwing, running, and playing ball games. These depictions are among the few known ancient representations of women in athletic activity.
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