La Quintilla Roman Villa and the Navigation of Venus Mosaic

Step back in time to discover an extraordinary mosaic in La Quintilla, a Roman villa in Spain. Mysteries unearthed and exquisite art await in this cultural heritage site.

The Quintilla Roman Villa in Lorca, Spain, was founded in the Augustan period, situated on the right bank of the Guadalentín River. The villa, declared a cultural heritage site in 2004, has been the location of numerous archaeological finds since 1876. In 1981, excavations focused on the deterioration of the mosaic in the atrium. One of the standout features of this villa is the 'opus tessellatum' mosaic, known as the Navigation of Venus, showcasing Roman mosaic art at its finest.

Ancient frescoes still adorn the walls, and the floors of many rooms are paved with mosaics. The villa is believed to have been built in two known stages. In the first stage, the atrium, service, and storage rooms were constructed to the north, and larger rooms with mosaics were found on the opposite side. It's possible that a second stage involved the construction of the upper terrace, but this remains a mystery for archaeologists. Today, the villa welcomes visitors eager to uncover the tales of the past while marveling at the beauty of the mosaics.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata

Written by Nik Frost

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