Clearly made by high-end craftsmen, this refined tile art is believed to have adorned the country villa of a wealthy elite in ancient Tibur.
ABAP Superintendency for the Metropolitan Area of Rome and the Province of RietiThe recently-unearthed mosaic and burials found by accident in Tivoli.
Archaeologists working in central Italy have uncovered a Roman-era mosaic and at least two centuries-old burials that were found during routine installation of fiberoptic cable.
The discovery occurred near the church of Sant’Andrea in the historic center of Tivoli, just east of Rome. Excavation crews preparing to install fiberoptic infrastructure for FiberCop accidentally exposed the remains of a room adorned with a mosaic featuring a geometric black-and-white pattern.
The Ancient Roman Mosaic Accidentally Unearthed In Tivoli
When the mosaic was first found, officials from the ABAP Superintendency for the Metropolitan Area of Rome and the Province of Rieti immediately halted construction in that area. They then expanded the overall dig area in order to uncover any other historic treasures hiding beneath the surface, with the archaeological firm Gea S.C.a.r.L supervising the investigation.
Preliminary stratigraphic work indicates that the mosaic dates to the early Roman imperial period, roughly 2,000 years ago. At that time, wealthy elites populated the area, suggesting that this mosaic was an expensive creation. Indeed, the precision of the tile work shows a high level of craftsmanship.
During subsequent excavations, archaeologists also identified two tombs bordered by low walls. These burials may date to the medieval era, though their precise age and identity will require further laboratory analysis.
The History Behind The Wealthy Roman City Of Tibur
Tivoli, known as Tibur in Roman times, was a prominent city in Latium, just east of Rome and strategically positioned along the Aniene River. Founded before Rome’s rise, it became an important ally and later a Roman municipium in 90 B.C.E.
Tibur was widely known for its natural beauty, thermal springs, and proximity to Rome, which made it a favored retreat for elites. Wealthy Romans built lavish villas there, most famously Emperor Hadrian’s sprawling Villa Adriana, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The city also featured temples, theaters, and aqueducts that reflected its prosperity. Its location along key trade and military routes contributed to its economic and strategic importance.
Wikimedia CommonsRocca Pia castle, built in 1461 by Pope Pius II, and the Roman amphitheatre at Tivoli.
Even after the fall of Rome, Tibur retained significance through the medieval period, with layers of occupation shaping its urban landscape. Archaeological remains scattered throughout modern Tivoli have helped paint a clearer picture of how Roman architecture, religious life, and cultural development influenced the broader region.
Tivoli’s Rich History Of Archaeological Discoveries
The neighborhood around the dig is already known to contain other archaeological remains, including substructures in opus reticulatum believed to belong to the so-called “Baths of Diana,” located between Via dei Sosii, Vicolo Lolli, Via Sant’Andrea, Vicolo Torlonia, and Vicolo del Labirinto.
Cultural heritage officials say the recent excavations will help refine Tivoli’s ancient-and-medieval map. They hope the find will provide new data on how the city’s urban layout evolved across centuries of occupation.
The mosaic’s geometric pattern, rendered in black and white, is clearly the work of high-end craftsmen.
Outside of the two burials, no other human remains have been exposed. No artifacts of high commercial value have yet been confirmed, either.
Meanwhile, the mosaic’s detailed design and well-preserved condition suggest it may yield important information about decorative practices in provincial Roman towns. The medieval burials, by contrast, may reveal how later residents reused ancient urban space — including which families or groups were buried there.
In the coming weeks, researchers will conduct tests including radiocarbon dating, soil stratigraphy, and material composition analyses.
The cleanup and restoration of the site may delay fiberoptic deployment in that block for months. Authorities say they will attempt to balance infrastructure progress and preservation of heritage.
“Data and materials will be transferred to the Superintendency’s archives for further scientific analysis and the possible implementation of safeguards aimed at protecting and conserving the assets, contributing to more informed urban planning and future enhancement efforts,” the statement reads.
It seems that before Tivoli can improve infrastructure to secure its future, it must first delve further back into its past.
After reading about this mosaic unearthed at Tivoli, check out 33 stunning frescoes from the ancient city of Pompeii. Then, check out the sunken Roman city of Baiae.
