Roman Villa with an Indoor Pool found in Albania!
In a captivating archaeological discovery, researchers from the National Institute of Cultural Heritage have unearthed a remarkable Roman villa adorned with an indoor plunge pool in the historic port city of Durrës, Albania.
Durrës, with its origins tracing back to ancient Greek colonization by settlers from Corinth and Corcyra, flourished into a bustling hub of trade over the centuries. During the Roman era, it became integrated into the expanding territory of the Roman Republic after the culmination of the Illyrian Wars. By the 4th century, the city, known as Dyrrachium, rose to prominence as the capital of the Roman province of Epirus nova, encompassing the territory of Ancient Epirus.
Photo Credit: IKTK
The recent excavation unveiled a luxurious Roman villa believed to have been constructed between the 1st and 4th centuries AD. Nestled within a residential sector of the ancient city, this opulent abode showcases opulence at its peak.
The interior of the villa mesmerises with its centerpiece – an indoor plunge pool adorned with intricately designed frescoes decorating the walls and mosaic flooring crafted from a melange of materials, including marble, stone, glass, and ceramics. Adjacent to the pool lie shallow square basins, remnants of an ancient water feature that once added to the villa's allure.
Exploring the northern sector of the excavation site led to the discovery of a sprawling brick floor from a thermae, a Roman bath, along with vestiges of surrounding walls hinting at the villa's expansive complex. Meanwhile, in the western region, fragments of relief stucco adorned with elaborate anthropomorphic and floral motifs were unearthed, offering a glimpse into the exquisite décor that once adorned the villa's interiors.
Photo Credit: IKTK
The archaeologists speculate that the villa met its demise in the 4th century, succumbing to the ravages of a powerful earthquake, a phenomenon corroborated by ancient accounts describing the collapse of buildings and fortifications within the city.
This extraordinary find not only provides a window into the affluent lifestyle of the villa's inhabitants but also underscores the enduring allure of Durrës as a nexus of culture, commerce, and architectural splendor in antiquity. As excavations continue to unravel the mysteries buried beneath its ancient streets, the legacy of this Roman villa stands as a testament to the city's rich and storied past.