Roman Mosaic Edifice

Constanța, Romania

Utility work undertaken in 1959 in Ovidiu Square led to the discovery of one of the most important monuments of ancient Tomis - the Roman mosaic edifice. Located on the western shore, the complex was built in three terraces and connects the city and the ancient port.Monumental building - with over 2,000 square meters of mosaic - was erected in the 4th century AD, probably under Emperor Constantine the Great, being repaired at various stages by the end of the 6th century, when their existence ends, falling in decay ruin with the commercial activities of the city. From the original 2,000 m² area still maintains about 700 m² - but enough to infer that we are in front of a large port construction. Upper terrace was occupied by an impressive hall (100 m long and 20 m wide), probably covered in antiquity, with a huge dome supported by pillars. From this room there are still today part of the long wall and one of the side walls. The first presents an arcade ordinance open to the sea, is covered entirely with white marble and polychrome plywood. Pillars decorated with beautiful arches Areu capitals decorated with acanthus leaves zoomorphic or anthropomorphic figures and center.