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The Domus of Myth: A resplendent work of Roman art.

Discover the magnificent mosaics, history and wonders of the Domus del Mito, an archaeological treasure in the heart of Central Italy.

Vista dell'interno della Domus del Mito

Excavation of the Pieve Field area

In the Campo della Pieve area, the subject of the latest excavations conducted by Ancona's Soprintendenza ai Beni Archeologici, the entire articulation of a large aristocratic domus erected toward the end of the first century A.D., about 1,000 square meters wide and embellished with a rich complex of figured mosaics, has come to light.

Campo della pieve e vista della Domus del Mito dalla strada
View from the street of the Domus of Myth

Domus of Myth: an important find

Il complesso di mosaici figurati scoperto nella domus gentilizia è considerato il più cospicuo ritrovamento archeologico venuto in luce nell’Italia Centrale da diversi decenni. The large number of figures mostly related to Greek-Roman mythology made it christened "Domus of Myth."

Mosaici della Domus del Mito
Mosaics of the Domus of Myth

I pavimenti musivi rinvenuti, di buona e ottima qualità, sono per lo più ottimamente conservati. They exhibit a variety of subjects that show the inclusion of the ancient city in the circulation of cartoons and skilled workers, testifying to the presence of a cultured and refined patronage.

Subjects depicted and artistic details

Tra i temi raffigurati (molti in raffinata policromia) spiccano figure come Nettuno ed Anfitrite sul carro condotto da cavalli marini, il busto di Dioniso, la testa della Medusa al centro di un cerchio di squame e un sontuoso mosaico del triclinio con l’emblema dei pesci e quaranta medaglioni figurati. In addition, there are complex geometric patterns in black and white.

Raffigurazione di Nettuno ed Anfitrite sul carro condotto da cavalli marini
In the vestibule is "The Triumph of Neptune": the sea god, on a chariot drawn by hippocampi, holds the trident, accompanied by Amphitrite. Underwater, dolphins swim. A work that expresses the majesty and beauty of the marine realm.
Depiction of Neptune and Amphitrite on the chariot led by sea horses
Busto di Dioniso con corona di foglie di vite incorniciato da una raggiera prospettica, con figurine femminili agli angoli
In the probable tablinium, there is a bust of Dionysus with a crown of vine leaves, positioned in a central tondo framed by a sunburst perspective motif. At the corners, there are graceful female figurines. This decorative element adds elegance and sophistication to the setting, enhancing the figure of Dionysus and his symbolism related to wine and festivity.
Bust of Dionysus with crown of vine leaves framed by a perspective ray, with female figurines at the corners
In the sumptuous triclinium mosaic, marine hunting and fighting scene: moray eel bites octopus grasping lobster. Forty figured medallions and geometric patterns in black and white surround the scene. Artistic details and fascinating combination of naturalistic and decorative elements.
Marine hunting and fighting scene in the sumptuous triclinium mosaic: moray eel, octopus, lobster, figured medallions and geometric motifs

Historical importance and prosperity of the ancient city

La scoperta della Domus del Mito riveste un'importanza storica significativa per l'Italia Centrale. Questo complesso residenziale testimonia l'influenza e la prosperità dell'antica città di Tifernum Mataurense durante l'epoca romana. The size of the area and the richness of its mosaics testify to the presence of a wealthy social class and the level of artistic sophistication achieved.

Mosaico con complessa policromia di motivi geometrici e vegetali, con un emblema esagonale centrale con la testa della Medusa irta di serpentelli
Complex polychromy of geometric and plant motifs, with a central hexagonal emblem with the head of Medusa bristling with serpents

The conservation and restoration of mosaics

To preserve and enhance the precious mosaics of the Domus del Mito, conservation and restoration work has been carried out. Esperti archeologi e restauratori hanno lavorato per mantenere l'integrità e la bellezza di queste opere d'arte antiche, consentendo al pubblico di ammirarle e studiarle nel loro splendore originale.

You can learn more about the importance of preserving the mosaics of the Domus del Mito by visiting the official website of the municipality of Sant'Angelo in Vado, specifically the section on museum facilities.

Cultural events at the Domus of Myth

La Domus del Mito non è solo un sito archeologico di grande importanza, ma anche un luogo che ospita eventi culturali e mostre legate alla storia e all'arte antica. Through temporary exhibitions, lectures and educational activities, a unique opportunity is offered to the public to learn more about this extraordinary Roman dwelling.

Guided tour of the Domus of Myth

If you wish to fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere of this extraordinary place, I recommend booking a guided tour. Puoi trovare maggiori dettagli sulla visita guidata alla Domus del Mito sul sito di Visit Sant'Angelo in Vado a this link