Polish Archaeology in the Mediterranean (5.1993(1994))

to light numerous fragments of polychrome cornices, capitals,
stucco-works and other decorative fragments. Some of the fallen
blocks retained their original plastering painted in red, green and
yellow. Both the position of these elements and overall
character of the debris suggest that the construction of nearby
Theatre left them largely undisturbed. Well preserved structure was
found immediately underneath. (Fig. 1) It consisted of a wall (ca.
0.45 m. wide) built in opus quadratum technique and two partially
preserved limestone columns erected on Attic type bases. The
columns, standing ca. 2.25 m. apart, flanked entrance to a room
as indicated by a well preserved door-sockets and traces of
doorposts. The centre of the room was covered with a finely
preserved multicolored mosaic in opus tessellatum (excavated
fragment measured ca. 2 x 1.7 m.). The decoration is strictly
geometrical and consists of squares, lozenges and trapezes The
central element, cruciform in shape, is filled with a band of douK,
guilloche. The mosaic is framed with a band composed t ’
diagonally arranged squares. The threshold is paved with anoth
piece of mosaic forming a framed Greek inscription greeting
visitors: KaXux; tiKecq.
The rest of the room as well as the area in front of it ';
paved with multicoloured pieces of marble, alabaster and porphyn ,
The excavated relics obviously belong to a sumptuous room, mo <
probably oikos of a large villa, as suggested by the mosa*;
inscription.
It is still premature to speculate on possible layout and
dimensions of the villa, some careful suggestions however can be
voiced. Since oikos is usually located at the rear of the house, one
can expect a peristyle or courtyard in front of it; the whole of the

19