Fascinating ancient discoveries are constantly being made southeast of Naples, in Pompeii. A "tiny house" adorned with stunning frescoes was recently uncovered. It remains a massive tourist attraction area all these years later, with so many historical sites.
However, there is another hub for discoveries on the northern coast of the Gulf of Naples. Baiae has turned into a hub for discoveries, and has quite a history of its own.
In the following, we're going to take a closer look at the stunning marble art that was recently uncovered underwater, while also taking a closer look at Baiae, and why it is regarded as the "Las Vegas of the Roman Empire."
Related
Researchers Unlock Record-Breaking Underground Discovery In Southern Arizona
A research team made a rare discovery near the Santa Cruz River, locating a weapon that dates back to 480 years ago.
Thousands Of Marble Slabs Were Found Submerged In The Park Of Baiae In Naples
Back in June, archaeologists made a stunning discovery on the northern coast of the Gulf of Naples. Formerly known as Baiae, the area is now a hub for underwater discoveries.
Baiae was submerged underwater due to volcanic activity.
Among the most impressive displays was a stunning mosaic marble floor. According to Archaeological Park Phlegraean Fields on Facebook, the marble slabs contained different shapes, and the display was a "highly complex" piece of geometry.
Archaeological Park Phlegraean Fields wrote Facebook, "We are in the submerged Park of Baiae and this marble floor was at the center of the latest underwater restoration work: a new, very complicated challenge, due to the extreme fragmentation of the remains and their great extension."
The marble was built towards the end of the Roman Empire. The material is regarded as expensive and quite a task to create.
Josi Gerardo Della Ragione, Mayor of Bacoli also issued a statement in regard to the stunning discovery.
"Stupendous! It is the magic of Baia Sommersa. Look at the results of the latest restoration at sea. A marble floor of an ancient Roman Villa. In the imperial city lying on the seabed of Bacoli. In the largest underwater Archaeological Park in the world. This is the opus sectile of the Villa's reception room with a porch entrance. Over 250 square meters, built towards the end of the Roman Empire: just before bradyseism brought these wonders to the bottom of the sea."
At the conclusion, the marble pieces were being studied closely, in an attempt to recreate some of the broken mosaic. Park officials stated, "The work is still long and complex, but we are sure that it will offer many prompts and great satisfactions."
Guided by qualified personnel, you can snorkel at Baiae.
Other Stunning Mosaic Displays Have Been Located In Naples
Naples is a hub for breathtaking underwater discoveries. Portus Julius, Naples, was home to another stunning discovery, revealing a 2,000-year-old mosaic, buried underneath sand.
Related
NASA Is Showing Concerns After Discovering An Abandoned City Under Ice In Greenland
NASA discovered a massive location with 21 underground tunnels, and 9,800 feet of space.
During Its Existence, Baiae was Referred To As The Las Vegas Of The Roman Empire
The ancient Roman town was called the "Las Vegas of the Roman Empire." BBC revealed this was due to the fact that the rich and powerful took to the city for their "illicit affairs."
What Caused Baiae's Demise?
The lower part of Baiae was submerged due to volcanic activity. According to BBC, the last major eruption took place in 1538. If a similar eruption were to take place today, damage to the city of Naples would be severe.
Volcanologist Enzo Morra told BBC about the potential of a similar eruption taking place today.
“Obviously we can't make estimates. We know that an active volcano, any active volcano, can erupt. Clearly, in our heart – we hope not. Like Vesuvius, Campi Flegrei is continuously monitored by colleagues at the Vesuvian Observatory, the oldest volcano observatory in the world. This can make us feel more tranquil.”
Related
Despite its downfall, Baiae remains a storied area with so much history, and is certainly worth the visit.