If you look just ahead, you’ll spot the Roman house right in front of you, tucked away on Añón Street. To be precise, you’ll know you’re in the right place if you see an elegant and somewhat mysterious space through glass or an opening, with faded but colorful wall paintings, a mosaic on the floor, and low Roman-style couches lined up as if waiting for dinner guests from two thousand years ago.
Alright, take a deep breath and step into the world of ancient Caesaraugusta. This spot isn’t just any old ruin-it’s the remains of a grand Roman house, discovered by surprise in the year 2000, hiding in the middle of a modern city. Even now, it feels as if the old Roman family could waltz in at any moment, ready to show off their designer dining room.
Imagine the aroma of spices and roasted meats drifting through the air, Roman laughter echoing off these painted walls. You’re standing where their triclinium, or dining room, once was-this was the main stage for feasts and deep conversations. Listen for the sound of wine being poured and soft chatter bubbling from those elegant couches! The stone floor below your feet? That’s the original mosaic, with geometric shapes set there almost two thousand years ago.
The Romans even painted the walls and ceiling to impress their guests. Look up, and you’ll find bits of wild and magical scenes-flying cupids with big craters of wine and flashes of Jupiter’s thunderbolts. There’s also Bacchus, the Roman god of parties, lounging with some very curious creatures-was that a sea horse and two panthers? Clearly, Romans didn’t hold back on their imagination or their parties!
And get this-unlike most Roman towns, this house was built outside the city’s old walls. Maybe the family wanted more space, or maybe the whole city was just growing faster than anyone realized. It’s the oldest home of Caesaraugusta where you can still see the original paintings, plaster, and floors. Even archaeologists were stumped; they’d never seen wall decorations quite like these in any Roman house, even in Italy!
So, next time you throw a dinner party, just remember: the Romans were doing themed rooms before it was cool. And don’t worry-no ancient ghost is going to ask you to pass the olives. Or will they?
