Ancient maritime city fresco, mosaic unveiled in Rome
(AP Photo)
Authorities on Sept. 8 unveiled what is believed to be the largest fresco and mosaic complex of ancient Rome, a 1st-century A.D. depiction of a maritime city in what became the largest bath complex in the world.
Mayor Roberto Gualtieri presented the recently restored “Painted City” fresco and “Great Mosaic” that were discovered in an underground gallery during excavations in the 1990s of the Baths of Trajan on the Oppio hill near the Colosseum.
The works are opening to the public for the first time, initially in small groups of 15 and during a trial period of weekend access starting this month. The aim is to determine how the delicate works respond to increased humidity and climactic impacts before allowing more general access.
