Scholars of antiquities have learned a great deal from the remarkable mosaics depicting life in ancient Rome at the Villa Romana del Casale in Piazza Armerina. It’s always hard to explain exactly what this UNESCO site offers. When I say that the floors of the estate are mosaics with themes that span everything from contemporary sport, hunting, and fishing scenes to erotic imagery and illustrations of mythological tales, I often hear silence on the other end of the phone line. Imagine 4000 square meters, or 43,055 square feet, of mosaic scenes, like the one pictured. The 4th century artwork is superb. I hope I’ve impressed you enough to see them for yourself.
Life in Ancient Rome Documented in Sicily
About the author
Allison Scola is founder, owner, and curator of Experience Sicily and the Cannoli Crawl. Named one of the experts for the 2019 New York Times Travel Show, Scola writes and lectures on Sicily and leads immersive tours and designs custom itineraries that delight discerning travelers. She has been featured on Rudy Maxa’s World with the Carey’s, America’s #1 Travel Radio Show and as the cannoli expert in the documentary Cannoli, Traditions Around the Table. Scola has lectured about Sicily at University of Pennsylvania, The New School, LIU Post University, Queens College, Westchester Italian Cultural Center, at high schools in the New York City metropolitan area, and at events in New York City.