The National Institute of Preventive Archaeology (INRAP) announced Tuesday that archaeologists have identified a Gallo-Roman site overlooking the city of Ales, France.
Excavations conducted between February and June this year reveal the remains of the residence, hydraulic systems Domus There are intricate mosaics and cemeteries on a 40,365 square foot position.
At least four ancient residences were excavated from limestone rocks. Experts found that the inner walls of these structures were covered in a layer of clay to contain any potential leaks during heavy rainfall. An underground conduit made of roof tiles and fill blocks further aids in drainage.
Although remnants of wall paintings can still be seen in certain parts of the wall, they have deteriorated severely over time. On the floor, the rock slab once sat on Base The foundation of stone debris and limestone dust.
The additional 8,073 square feet of structure initially contains compacted floors, which are then replaced with concrete and decorated with Tesserae to form a huge mosaic floor.
Located in a room with a size of nearly 15 x 12 feet, the well-preserved mosaic features in the center interlaced with geometric patterns made of black, white and red Tesserae. Experts believe that the red is made from the mineral pigment cinnabar, which is reserved for the elite. Another rare detail includes the yellow Tasera. However, the entire stitching and decoration are inconsistent, which may indicate that there are other rooms nearby.
A drainage system made by cutting and mounting on the ends of amphibians, directing excess rainwater from the roof to the outside of the building.
Researchers are still trying to determine whether this is the private residence of a wealthy urban family.
The late Roman cemetery body dates back to the 5th and 6th centuries AD and was also found along with the southern side of the site for ten burials. The dead were lying on their heads facing west and rested. Although some are covered with stones, most do not include funerals. The radiocarbon age is still taking place on two burials in the northwest of the cemetery.
Between the 16th and 18th centuries, land was used for agricultural terraces (faïsses) and repeated again in the 19th century.
Continuous activities between the second and sixth centuries and the number of technological advances found on site indicate a high level of skill. Mosaics are also one of the most famous discoveries in the region in decades.
