The mosaic pavements in the Museum of Roman Antiquities at Rabat, Malta

Abstract

The remains of a rich and sumptuously decorated town-house of the Roman Period were discovered in 1881 in the vicinity of Greeks' Gate, just outside the Mdina bastions. A Committee was appointed by the then Council of Government to investigate the ruins and the site was partially cleared under the supervision of Mr E. L. Galizia. Superintendent of Public Works and Dr A. A. Caruana. Librarian of the Public Library. During the course of these excavations a number of remarkably fine polychrome mosaic pavements were uncovered, part of the architectural elements of the building were restored and a number of rooms were constructed over the remains to protect the mosaics. These rooms were also utilized as a small Museum which was misnamed the Roman Villa Museum, as the remains are undoubtedly those of a town-house (domus) not a villa (country-house). The site was subsequently further investigated by the Museum Department from 1920-24. These later excavations were directed by the Curator Sir Themistocles Zammit, but although more structural remains were brought to light. no further mosaics were discovered. Towards the end of these excavations, an upper hall was added to the existing Museum so as to provide more exhibition space and a more suitable entrance. Its porticoed neo-classical facade with a small front garden was completed in 1925.