Villa romana di contrada Geraci

History and description

The remains of a villa rustica were found in the early 1990s when a flood revealed a mosaic floor. Archaeology has continued since then, and from 2013 by the University of British Columbia.

The villa of at least 10,000 m2 area is further evidence that Roman villas in Sicily are not just represented by a few examples such as the exceptional Villa del Casale but have a significant distribution density which raises estimates of the rural population and economy. It is known that Sicily through its latifundia, or villa estates, was vital to the agricultural economy of the Roman Empire and produced most of the wheat, barley, olives and grapes imported by the city of Rome. Few latifundia have been properly excavated in Sicily so Gerace is important in being able to fill gaps in knowledge of the late Roman economy.

The owner was one Philippianus as indicated by the mosaic text and stamps on many recovered roof tiles. He also owned the villa 12 km away at Piano della Clesia near Sabucina as indicated by tile stamps there.

The earliest buildings date to late Roman period of 325-50 AD, and after their collapse possibly in the earthquake of 361 they were overbuilt in about 370 by a more extensive villa which may never have been completed, and was burnt down 100 years later.

Five of the ten main rooms uncovered in the villa are situated around a peristyle and have mosaic floors. The range of colours used in the mosaics is very varied: black, grey, red, green, pink, white and the compositions are accurately made. The mosaics of the peristyle and the southern corridor particularly have numerous motifs. The skilled workmanship and design indicate North African influence and similarity to that of the Villa Romana del Casale. …