When an ancient Roman mosaic was handed over to the Pompeii Archaeological Park last year, it made headlines around the world. And why not? The recovery of a 2000 year-old relic depicting an erotic scene is sure to create news in Italy and abroad.
The priceless mosaic, which depicts an intimate moment between two lovers, is believed to date from between the 1st century B.C. and the 1st century A.D.
Stolen by a German Nazi captain stationed in Italy during World War II, the relic was found among the heirlooms of a German who had apparently received it as a gift. After the German’s death, family relatives contacted the Carabinieri cultural heritage protection unit. But its true origin was somewhat baffling.
Since there was no data available on the mosaic's provenance, the ministry of culture decided to give it to the Archaeological Park of Pompeii, since it resembled the style and technique of mosaics recovered in the city destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D.
At first it was thought to have adorned the floor of a bedroom in a Pompeii home, and once authenticated, the mosaic was repatriated by the Italian consulate in Stuttgart.
But scientific research soon revealed that the relic had nothing to do with Pompeii. The mosaic actually came from a Roman villa in Rocca di Morro near Folignano in the Marche region of central Italy.
"The protection of cultural heritage does not end with the physical restoration of the work, but continues with rigorous study, scientific verification and the restoration of historical truth,” said Alessandro Giuli, Italy’s culture minister.
“Every stolen asset that is returned to Italy represents a fragment of our identity that is returned to the community.”
Matteo Terrani, the major of Folignano, was thrilled to hear the mosaic would soon be coming home.
“This event restores a precious fragment of Folignano's memory and strengthens the deep bond between our community and its ancient history,” he said.
