A Luxurious Roman Village Unearthed in Southeastern Sicily!
An exciting archaeological discovery has been made near the town of Vizzini in southeastern Sicily, where researchers have uncovered the remains of a significant Roman site. The find includes a Roman house dating back to the 2nd to 4th centuries CE, featuring an intricate mosaic floor. This house is part of a larger Roman village, spanning approximately 15 hectares, offering a fascinating glimpse into the luxury and sophistication of Roman life in the region.
A Long-Running Exploration
For more than two decades, a team of archaeologists from the University of Göttingen has been investigating how ancient Sicilians lived, worked, and traded. Led by Professor Dr Johannes Bergemann of the Archaeological Institute, the team focused its research on the Vizzini area in 2022. After conducting surface inspections, they utilised advanced geophysical surveys in 2023 to detect underground structures by measuring anomalies in the Earth’s geomagnetic field. This non-invasive technique allowed the team to map out substantial portions of the ancient village without immediate excavation.
One of the key discoveries was a large Roman house, measuring 30 by 13 metres, located just below the surface. Inside, they uncovered a room measuring almost 100 square metres, with a beautiful mosaic floor. Unfortunately, some parts of the mosaic had been damaged over the centuries due to agricultural ploughing, but enough remains to reveal the grandeur of the home.
Professor Bergemann commented, “Inside, there is a representative room with a mosaic floor. Unfortunately, parts of the mosaic were destroyed by ploughing.” Nevertheless, the discovery is remarkable, illustrating the luxurious lifestyle enjoyed by the villa’s inhabitants.
Photo Credit: Johannes Bergemann / Georg-August-Universität Göttingen
Architectural Marvels and Luxury Artefacts
In addition to the mosaic, the excavation revealed other impressive architectural elements. These included rounded brick columns coated in stucco and likely painted, similar to those found in Pompeii. Fountains with marble ponds and fragments of Terra Sigillata—a type of luxury Roman ceramic—were also uncovered. These artefacts suggest that the residents of this Roman village lived in relative comfort and wealth from the 2nd to 6th centuries CE.
The settlement itself emerged during a period of transformation in Sicily, when large Roman villas and rural settlements began replacing earlier Greek cities. These Roman estates focused primarily on agricultural production and thrived due to the Roman Empire’s vast trade networks. Inland settlements like Vizzini were connected to coastal storage depots, which supported long-distance trade across the Mediterranean. Sicily, renowned for its fertile land, played a critical role in feeding the Roman Empire’s economy during this period. However, this settlement system was short-lived, disappearing after only a few centuries.
Photo Credit: Johannes Bergemann / Georg-August-Universität Göttingen
A Glimpse into Roman Sicily’s History
The discovery of this Roman house near Vizzini offers a significant insight into a pivotal era of Sicilian history. Professor Bergemann highlighted the importance of the find, stating, “The house we discovered near Vizzini is an important testimony to this era.” The team has also identified similar buildings in the vicinity, indicating that this village was likely a key part of the Roman Empire’s agricultural and trade network.
The Göttingen archaeological team publicly presented their findings for the first time on 16th October 2024 at the Vizzini Town Hall. A more detailed presentation will follow on 3rd February 2025 at the University of Göttingen as part of their Archaeological Lecture Series.
This incredible discovery not only enriches our understanding of Roman life in Sicily but also underscores the importance of ongoing archaeological research in uncovering the hidden stories of our past.