Villa Roman del Casale was a revelation. How massive a home Roman rulers had for their own retinue of wife, children, servants and slaves.. Stunning mosaic floors describing the functions of the rooms as well as a huge center mosaic of "The great hunt" to acquire animals for the circus. There was an outdoor forum where one could come and ask favors of the ruler, The paths leading to each room had geometric patterns with three colors braided together alternating with laurel leaves. In each of the wreaths were animals including : lions, bears, tigers, horses, wild boars or panthers. There were huge baths, a large gymnasium where the floor indicated the types of activities must have taken place here - the Bikini girls - were showing how the winner received the prize of laurel leaves from the goddess. The owner's quarters even had a floor that may encourage the women taken to him there. The children's quarters were my favorite - the children were to take part in the hunt, but sometimes the hunted turned on the children! One bird turned to peck the child! We travelled along raised platforms to see each of the rooms - some had not only mosaics but murals as well.
Loved seeing the virtual tour pictures of how it would have looked two thousand years ago!
Food at a working farm.
Aurelio was challenged driving up into the mountains to the working farm where we were having lunch. So relaxing to begin with a bit of eggplant, bruschetta, sausages and eggs and prosciutto, Plentiful pasta and a healthy dessert of fruits rounded out a delightful repast.
