Major Discovery Under Italian Vineyard

In 2020, archaeologists uncovered a remarkably preserved mosaic floor from the 3rd century BC in a vineyard in northern Italy, likely part of an Ancient Roman villa. This discovery occurred near Verona, in Negrar di Valpolicella, where traces of the estate had first been found in 1922.
“Archaeologists have been looking for this mosaic since at least 1922,” said Alberto Manicardi, head of the dig near Negrar. “We knew it was there but were not able to exactly locate it.”

A team from the Superintendent of Archaeology, Fine Arts and Landscape of Verona began excavating the area before the COVID-19 pandemic. They made the significant discovery just a week after resuming work.
“After countless decades of failed attempts, part of the floor and foundations of the Roman villa located north of Verona, discovered by scholars a century ago, has finally been brought to light,” local authorities announced. The mosaic, just a few meters below the vineyard’s surface, features twisted shapes known as “Solomon’s knots,” which may help identify the villa.

Negrar di Valpolicella Mayor Roberto Grison stated, “We believe a cultural site of this value deserves attention and should be enhanced.” Efforts will be made to make this treasure accessible to the public.