Villa del Casale is an ornate, large and somewhat decadent retreat, quite possibly of Marcus Aurelius Maximianus, Rome co- emperor during the reign of Diocletian (AD 286-305) according to Lonely Planet.It is located in the countryside near the town of Piazza Armerina.

Following a landslide in the 12th century, the villa was lost under 30 feet of mud. It was fortuitous for all since the site is very well preserved. Most of the important restoration was done in the 1950’s.

On the north side is the entrance through the elaborate bath complex with hot and cold areas but the magic in this place are the mosaics which UNESCO says is ‘the finest mosaics in situ anywhere in the Roman world.’  Their color and craftsmanship make them stand out.  Famous are the so-called ‘Bikiini Girls’ which shows young women athletes.  Mike and I wonder about the line on their abdomens, umbilicus, scar from surgery or brand?  The Little Hunt and Great Hunt mosaics portray their pastimes.

I am fascinated by the columns, Doric (plain), Ionic (leaves) and Corinthian (both). A long column made or marble or granite with a top…. How did they construct them??