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Sumptuous marble floor of sunken Roman villa discovered and restored underwater in Italy
![Click to enlarge sunken roman marble floor Baia naples italy](https://www.sott.net/image/s35/711505/super/marble_floor_of_sunken_roman_v.jpg)
© Edoardo Ruspantini / Parco Archeologico Campi FlegreiMarble floor of a submerged Roman villa restored in Italy.
The project, spearheaded by CSR Restauro Beni Culturali and Naumacos Underwater Archaeology and Technology, has faced numerous challenges due to the extreme fragmentation and extensive area of the remains. The floor, constructed towards the end of the Roman Empire, covers approximately 250 square meters (2,700 square feet) and showcases intricate geometric patterns formed by precisely cut pieces of marble.
Unlike traditional mosaics, which use small, uniformly sized pieces known as tesserae, the opus sectile technique involves larger, meticulously shaped pieces that fit together like a puzzle. This method allowed for uniquely detailed and elaborate designs, often incorporating a variety of colors and materials to achieve a stunning visual effect. Such floors were typically found in high-status buildings like villas, palaces, and public baths.
![Click to enlarge sunken roman marble floor Baia naples italy](https://www.sott.net/image/s35/711506/super/floor.jpg)
© Edoardo Ruspantini / Parco Archeologico Campi FlegreiAn overview of the opus sectile floor.
![Click to enlarge restoration sunken roman marble floor Baia naples italy](https://www.sott.net/image/s35/711507/super/marble_floor_of_sunken_roman_v.jpg)
© Edoardo Ruspantini / Parco Archeologico Campi FlegreiArchaeologists working on the restoration of the marble floor off the coast of Naples, Italy.
Baiae, also known as Baia, was a renowned resort for Roman elites, famous for its thermal baths, lavish villas, and hedonistic atmosphere. Emperors such as Nero and Hadrian were known to frequent the area, drawn by its luxurious amenities.
![Click to enlarge sunken roman marble floor Baia naples italy](https://www.sott.net/image/s35/711508/super/floor.jpg)
© Edoardo Ruspantini / Parco Archeologico Campi FlegreiThe remains of the collapsed walls, which fell directly onto the floor. Evidently, the floor must have still been surfaced or shallowly submerged when the collapse occurred.
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