Archaeologists in Rome have revealed what is believed to be the largest ancient Roman wall mosaic ever discovered, following the opening of new archaeological spaces beneath the Baths of Trajan.
Known as the “Muse and the Philosopher”, the monumental mosaic measures approximately 10 metres high and 16 metres wide and is located on the Oppian Hill overlooking the Colosseum.
The mosaic is now accessible to the public for the first time following the opening of the new Museum of the Baths of Trajan.
Dating from the 1st century AD, the composition depicts an elaborate architectural setting interpreted as a two-tiered theatrical backdrop, known as a *scaenae frons*.
The scene features columns and architectural façades resembling marble inlay, together with statues and figures that include Muses, a bearded philosopher and the god Apollo.
At approximately 160 square metres, the mosaic is the largest ancient wall mosaic known in Rome and is considered a possible contender for the largest surviving example from the Roman world.
Baths of Trajan
The Baths of Trajan were constructed during the reign of Emperor Trajan and inaugurated in AD 109.
Covering approximately 80,000 square metres, the monumental complex incorporated bathing facilities, areas for athletic activity and extensive outdoor spaces that functioned as a public park.
The baths were partly constructed over the remains of the *Domus Aurea*, the enormous palace complex built by Emperor Nero following the Great Fire of Rome in AD 64.
Although the mosaic predates the Baths of Trajan, archaeologists do not believe that it formed part of Nero’s palace.
Large numbers of tesserae are missing from the surviving composition, possibly because they were removed and reused during the construction of the Trajanic bath complex.
Most of the mosaic was uncovered during excavations in 2011, while more recent investigations have revealed an additional section depicting maritime villas surrounding a Roman harbour.
The newly exposed scene preserves architectural details of buildings overlooking the waterfront, although researchers have yet to determine whether it represents an actual Roman port or an idealised maritime landscape.
Excavation of the mosaic is still ongoing, but cultural heritage authorities have opened the underground gallery and exedra of the Baths of Trajan to visitors for the first time.
Public access is initially being restricted to small groups on selected days, with guided visits requiring advance booking.
The same archaeological structure also contains a monumental Roman fresco known as the “Painted City”, considered the largest surviving wall fresco discovered from the Roman period.
First uncovered in 1997 and recently restored, the fresco depicts a bird’s-eye view of a fortified coastal city surrounded by defensive walls and towers.
Within the fortifications are densely arranged buildings shown in perspective, together with gates, a theatre and golden statues. Individual architectural features are preserved in remarkable detail, including windows on residential buildings.
The identity of the settlement remains unknown, and archaeologists are uncertain whether the composition represents a real Roman city or an imagined urban landscape.
“If it did exist, it was extremely important,” said Claudio Parisi Presicce, Rome’s heritage chief.
A raised walkway has been installed through the archaeological spaces, allowing visitors to view both the Great Mosaic and the Painted City while protecting the surviving remains below.
The newly opened museum also displays large lead water pipes, known as *fistulae*, which formed part of the sophisticated hydraulic infrastructure that supplied the Baths of Trajan.
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