Luxurious Roman Opus Sectile Floor Discovered Underwater in Gulf of Naples
NAPLES, ITALY—Artnet News reports that a remarkable section of opus sectile flooring has been uncovered at Baiae, an ancient Roman town now submerged in the Gulf of Naples. The discovery was made by divers from C.S.R. Restoration of Cultural Heritage, Underwater Archaeology and Technology. Opus sectile flooring, characterized by its large, intricately cut polychrome stones, was a luxury material favored by the elite during the first century A.D. This type of flooring was more expensive than mosaic work due to the precision of its stone cuts.
The discovered floor, crafted from recycled materials, was originally installed in a villa’s porch area, offering a panoramic view of the sea. Baiae, known for its opulent residences and thermal baths, gradually sank into the Gulf of Naples between the third and fifth centuries A.D. For more details on Baiae’s underwater archaeological treasures, see “Slideshow: Italy’s Underwater Sculpture Garden.”
