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It is rare that construction contributes positively to the preservation of Malta’s heritage, but on the 3rd of February 1881, a Public Works employee digging in the area known as it-Tomba, outside Mdina, unearthed a splendid mosaic pavement. Architect Luigi Emanuele Galizia, head of Public Works, investigated and the public was so excited by the finds that a policeman had to be called in to guard the remains.
Several mosaics were found, as well as Roman sculptures and other artefacts which turned out to be the remains of a Roman aristocratic home just outside the walls of Mdina, now one of the most visited touristic attractions on the island – but which is also of great interest to those who live in Malta and are studying the Roman period on the island.
We now know that the Domus Romana was a townhouse rather than a country villa, and indeed it fell within the old Roman walls of Mdina – called Melite at the time – which extended much further into Rabat than they do now. A Roman domus like this one was not just a home but would serve as a meeting place and play an important role in the powerful owner’s business and political life.
Some time after the initial finding was made, a building was erected to protect the discovered mosaics, sculptures, and other objects discovered and therefore over the peristyle and surrounding rooms of the Roman house. In this way, the first museum in Malta built specifically for the purpose was inaugurated in 1882.
The Domus Romana is thought to date back to the first century BC and was probably still in use during the first and second centuries AD. Little is left of the actual Roman building now, and no one knows whether it simply got eroded with time, was purposely destroyed or dismantled to re-use its stones. However it is obvious that it consisted of several rooms built around a remarkable peristyle, which was a continuous porch with columns surrounding a central courtyard. This central colonnade, which has been reconstructed using – in part – some of the original stonework, surrounds a courtyard with a floor mosaic which is of outstanding quality. In the centre it depicts the Drinking Doves of Sosos, one of the most famous motifs of antiquity, popular among rich and noble Romans. Still, it is the border of this mosaic which is the most fascinating with its astounding 3D effect which must have been the achievement of the best craftsmen of the time.
Other floor mosaics in the rooms surrounding the courtyard have elaborate borders, delicate motifs and representations of mythological figures. The Roman mosaics of the Domus Romana are considered to be among the finest to be found in the Mediterranean region.
The fact that Roman sculptures found during excavation include one full length, larger than life-size, statue of the Emperor Claudius (10BC – 54AD), and a bust of his daughter Claudia Antonia, points to a very well-connected family living in this house. Considering the intricacy and quality of the mosaics covering the floors of their home, the occupants must certainly have been very wealthy as they could afford to employ top craftsmen.
Other artefacts on display at the museum include more statuary; one very intricate head of a maenad showing off an elaborate hairstyle is of particular interest. One can also see an extensive collection of coins, Roman glassware, jewellery, hairpins, a collection of perfume bottles, weaving bobbins, tableware, a baby’s rattle and terracotta theatrical masks, all dating from the Roman period on Malta. Most of these were found on the site of the Domus Romana, however some were also found during excavations within the walls of Mdina and at other Roman sites on the island.
During 1922 – 1925 the Maltese doctor and archaeologist Sir Temi Zammit was supervising further excavations on the site when skeletons and tombstones were unearthed. A Muslim cemetery was discovered close to the Roman Domus. One can see its remains behind the present-day museum, while some silver personal effects, ceramics and tombstones with Naskh and Kufi inscriptions dating to a much later Arab cemetery in use during the 11th century and possibly early 12th century AD, may be seen inside the museum.
Researched and written by Christine Tanti
Domus Romana,
Museum Esplanade,
Rabat RBT 1202
Tel: +356 21 454 125
Opening Hours
Monday to Sunday: 09.00 – 17.00hrs
Last admission at 16.30hrs
Closed on 24, 25 & 31 December, 1 January & Good Friday
Tickets
Adults (18 – 59 years): €6.00
Youths (12 – 17 years), Senior Citizens (60 years & over), and Students: €4.50
Children (6 – 11 years): €3.00
Infants (1 – 5 years): Free
Public transport
Bus 51, 52, 53 from Valletta Bus Terminus.
Bus 202, 203 from St. Julians.
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