Excavations in the bowels of an ancient Roman hill have turned up the well-preserved, late 1st century wall mosaic with a figure of Apollo, nude except for a colourful mantle over a shoulder and surrounded by muses.
The mosaic-covered wall is 16 meters (53 feet) wide and at least 2 meters (6.6 feet) high. Officials think the wall continues down some 8 meters (26.5 feet) more.
© EPAAncient: A worker restores part of a mosaic mural depicting Apollo and the Muses found at an archaeological site under the Terme di Traiano in Rome
© Associated PressWork of art: Excavations in the bowels of the ancient Roman hill have turned up the well-preserved, late 1st Century wall mosaic with a figure of Apollo, naked except for a colourful mantle over a shoulder
The parts of the mosaic uncovered so far are made with various shades of bronze-coloured tesserae and were found shortly after a number of unique frescoes were unearthed in the same cellar space.
Archaeologists say the wall appears to be in a tunnel built to help support Trajan's Baths, named for the emperor who ruled from 98 till 117
Archaeologists are hoping there are more mosaics to be uncovered and have said they need an extra 680,000 euros to finish the excavation.
© Associated PressArchaeologists say the wall appears to be in a tunnel built to help support Trajan's Baths, named for the emperor who ruled from 98 till 117
© Associated PressDiscovery: The mosaic apparently embellished a room where wealthy Romans gathered to hear music and discuss art
He was an illigitimate child - Zeus was married to Hera - and his mother was banished to an island to give birth alone.
Apollo later fought in the Trojan war where he shot arrows infected with the plague into the Greek encampment and was responsible for the death of Achilles by firing an arrow into his heels.
He had both male and female lovers and was father to many children.
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