Roman revelation: Biggest ancient monumental wall mosaic unveiled after 2,000 years

Rome is home to many ancient treasures. Now the public can see what is believed to be the largest fresco and mosaic complex from ancient Rome. Authorities have unveiled a 1st century AD fresco depicting a maritime city at the Trajan Baths, once the largest bath complex in the world, and the site now houses a new museum inaugurated on Wednesday. The painted city fresco and great mosaic were discovered in an underground gallery during excavations in the 1990s of the Baths of Trajan on the Opium Hill near the Colosseum. The mosaic measures some 15 metres high and features decorated columns and architectural elements and figures over four different levels. The Baths of Trajan, which were dedicated by Emperor Trajan in 109 AD, extended over six hectares. The painted city is a 10-square-metre fresco dating from the 1st century AD before the Baths of Trajan were built. It depicts a city seen from above. To protect the works, the first visits will be limited to small groups on weekends. Pre-guided tours will be available by reservation on September 12 and 13.