For anyone visiting northern Greece, there will soon be a new “must visit” on the cultural itinerary. The Roman “Villa of Alexandros” which was uncovered last summer in Amyntaio, Florina, is a majestic complex covering over 1.2 acres of land, making it one of the largest finds of its kind. It is also one of the most luxurious ancient villas ever found, containing sophisticated artworks, sculptures and mosaics from the 3rd century A.D., which remain in great condition.
The villa was comprised of a total of 96 small and large rooms, corridors, baths, galleries and courtyards where residents and guest would spend their time. These included the “Europa Hall”, the “Nereids (sea nymphs) Hall”, and the “Beast Warrior Hall” in which some impressive statues of deities were found. Extensive mosaic floors, covering a total area of 360 sq. m., portray a variety of themes from Greek mythology.
The owners of the villa were, “wealthy officials from the Roman administration who cherished Greek education and the ancient Greek civilization. They included Alexandros and Memmia, whose names can be read on an inscription,” says archaeologist Panikos Chrysostomou, head of the excavations run by the Thessaloniki Ephorate of Antiquities. “They lived around the middle of the 3rd century A.D. in a town that covered 25 hectares, and which flourished in peacetime, in the Amyntaio plain, situated along the ancient Egnatia Road”.
The floor mosaics in the Europa Hall are the best preserved. Along with the fortuitously well-preserved inscription bearing the names of the owners, the floors are adorned with mosaics depicting a number of mythological scenes including the abduction of Europa, Pan with the nymphs, the abduction of Dione, and Apollo on a Griffin.
The room dubbed the “Nereids Hall”, which covers 90 sq. m. and served as the guest reception area, is the largest and most luxurious space on the estate, decorated with the most elaborate mosaics. It also featured statues of gods – exceptional examples of Roman craftsmanship that were copies of Hellenistic and Classical works created in Attica workshops, as well as a marble stele (column) dedicated to the worship of an all-powerful Zeus.
The mosaics, arranged in groups around a central fountain, portray sea nymphs riding sea horses, cupids riding dolphins, fishing scenes, fish, birds, and four characters personifying the seasons in the corners of the hall. Several illegible inscriptions likely name either the creators of the mosaic or subsequent owners of the villa.
The marble statues, while not intact, are likely of Hermes, and potentially Athena and Poseidon “as he was the god of the element of water – the wells, rivers, and lakes in the area,” Chrysostomou explains. The archaeologists also found a multitude of smaller items in the room, such as pieces of clay and bronze figurines, bronze plates, bone pins, fragments from glass perfume bottles, ceramics and many pieces of silver and bronze jewelry.
The “Beast Warrior Hall” was named after the central image which shows a male figure being attacked by a lion. “The beast fighting scene, while a common theme at the time, could be a reference to an actual event,” notes Chrysostomou, “It may be a scene from events celebrating the emperor, to please and thank the residents of the Roman city of Amyndeus”.
The finds from only about one third of the complex, whose initial construction is dated to the 2nd century AD, have been presented to the public so far. The excavation, study and preservation of the remaining areas of the estate are due to continue in the summer, when likely more fascinating discoveries will come to light.
