Hellenic mosaic discovered in massive Italian find

(ANSA) – Monasterace (Reggio Calabria), July 23 – Students on an archaeological dig near the southern Italian town of Monasterace have uncovered an important and ancient mosaic, authorities said Tuesday.

The large mosaic, likely of ancient Greek origins, was discovered near another major find announced last Fall by archaeologist Francesco Cuteri. Cuteri says he is pleased that students from Argentina and Italy made the latest mosaic discovery, which he added is an important find.

"The discovery is of extraordinary importance because it is the largest Hellenic mosaic of Magna Grecia (an area of southern Italy)," he said.

The mosaic, depicting dragon and dolphins, may date from the Hellenistic period, which ran from about 323 BC to about 146 BC. Work on the excavation began in 1998 and last year had already led to the discovery of a mosaic depicting a dragon, a rosette and six panels with floral motifs. Cuteri said work is far from finished.

"We are confident....we can find at least two other panels," he said, adding the new area has been dubbed 'the hall of dragons and dolphins'. "We have worked on this excavation for 15 years and now what emerges fills us with joy".