Ancient Kaulon, exceptional opening of the mosaic of the Hall of Dragons and Dolphins

On August 1 and 2, 2018, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., there will be anexceptional opening of the floor mosaic of the Hall of Dragons and Dolphins at the Archaeological Museum of Ancient Kaulon (in Monasterace, province of Reggio Calabria). It is a mosaic made with polychrome tesserae, of considerable scientific interest for its workmanship, for the refinement of its figurative theme and for its size: the mosaic of the Hall of the Dragons and Dolphins is in fact one of the most significant testimonies attributable to the Magna-Greek center of Kaulonía, identified by archaeologist Paolo Orsi in the early 20th century and located in the present-day town of Monasterace Marina. These testimonies are now preserved in the area of the Archaeological Park dedicated to the same center, which is located in contrada Runci, along State Road 106, in the municipality of Monasterace, at the foot of the striking Lighthouse Hill.

Following its discovery, which occurred in 2012 thanks to the work of the Archaeological Superintendence of Calabria as part of the research activities conducted at the site of Kaulonia, the mosaic, one of the most important and oldest found in Magna Graecia, has been covered for its proper protection and preservation, after a conservative restoration aimed at securing the most deteriorated parts. It is a work of about 30 square meters, datable to the late fourth and early third centuries B.C., and constitutes the central floor of a long room with a hot bath pool of a thermal building, erected on an existing public building, equipped with reception and service rooms. The room takes its name from the mosaic decoration (dolphins, dragons, hippocampi): the compositional scheme places six medallions with floral motifs in the center, bordered by several colored laths, whose particular composition gives rise to a perspective view, while on the western and southern sides are arranged narrow and long panels with figures of sea animals faced in pairs. A decorative detail also consists of a twelve-petaled circular rosette near the entrance to the hall.

The initiative, which saw the collaboration of the Soprintendenza Archeologia Belle Arti e Paesaggio of the metropolitan city of Reggio Calabria and the province of Vibo Valentia, the Municipality of Monasterace, theMaritime District Office of Roccella Jonica and the Beach Delegation of Monasterace, the Cooperative Vivikaulon-Services Additional Archaeological Museum of Kaulonía, was also possible thanks to the sponsorship of Restoration of Works of Art Giuseppe Mantella and the Falcomar Company, which are thanked for their helpfulness and sensitivity. Information and tours can be obtained by contacting the Vivikaulon Cooperative at 3400742442, 3287378995 or 3493549565.

Pictured: detail of the mosaic in the Hall of Dragons and Dolphins.

Ancient Kaulon, exceptional opening of the mosaic of the Hall of Dragons and Dolphins

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