Massive Roman Mosaic Unveiled to Public in Rome

WHO:

CNN - Archaeologist Francesco Pacetti commented on the mosaic's significance.

CNN - Roberto Gualtieri is the mayor of Rome.

WHAT:

CNN - The "Great Mosaic" is estimated to be the biggest wall mosaic ever found in the Roman world.

CNN - The mosaic measures 10 meters (33 feet) high and 16 meters (52 feet) long.

CNN - The site includes a newly restored fresco called the “Painted City,” which is 10 square meters (108 square feet) in size.

CNN - The entire site encompasses 60,000 square meters (15 acres) of ruins.

WHERE:

CNN - The mosaic is located beneath the Oppian Hill in Rome, near the Colosseum.

CNN - The area was part of the site of emperor Nero's golden house.

WHEN:

CNN - The restoration project took 14 years to complete.

CNN - The mosaic and fresco date back to the 1st century AD.

WHY:

CNN - The area was converted into public baths in 109 AD by emperor Trajan, which may have influenced the mosaic's creation.

HOW:

CNN - Viewing walkways and lighting have been installed to enhance the visibility of the mosaic and fresco details.

CNN - The mosaic was discovered during excavations in the 1990s.

(UPDATED September 16, 2026 18:02 UTC)

Archaeologist Francesco Pacetti highlighted the significance of the "Great Mosaic," which is considered the largest wall mosaic ever found in the Roman world, measuring an impressive 10 meters high and 16 meters long. This remarkable site, located beneath the Oppian Hill in Rome near the Colosseum, also features a newly restored fresco known as the “Painted City,” alongside 60,000 square meters of ancient ruins that include remnants of emperor Nero's golden house. After 14 years of restoration work, viewing walkways and lighting have been installed to enhance the visibility of these stunning historical treasures, which date back to the 1st century AD.