A little outside of the town of Piazza Armenia is the Villa Roman. No one knows if this was a hunting lodge or a country mansionas it was buried under a landslide for 700 years.

The villa was probably the possession of Diocletian's co-Emperor Maximianus Heraclius, and was continually passed down to later Emperors. Built between 286 and 305, this structure was destroyed by the Norman King William in 1160. The Villa was rediscoverd when ahoard of treasure was found here in 1950, and than the site was seriously excavated.

50 rooms stand here still, each covered in Roman-African mosaics. The stylisation of these mosaics is undercut by humour, realism, sensuality, and subtlety, and offer an interesting viewpoint into the world of antiquity.

Hallway, Villa Roman (Mar 1999)

exterior remains , Villa Roman (Mar 1999)

exterior remains , Villa Roman (Mar 1999)

The Corridor of the Great Hunt surrounds the main courtyard of the Villa, and is best appreciated while walking. Above you can see an antelope on a leash, and below, the bare breasted Queen of Sheba offers up an eyefull. Images taken from travel guide.

Coco Chanel invented the Bikini when? The 1950s? I don't think so. Take a close look at these roman babes on the floor of The Room of Ten Maidens. Image taken from travel guide.

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