Kom el-Dikka. Excavations and Preservation work, 2002/2003

In deep trench M XV behind the Theatre (Area AS) a mosaic was discovered and cleared almost in its entirety (2 m x 3 m). The fairly well preserved geometrical opus tesselatum is composed of a combination of squares, lozenges and trapezes. The central element, cruciforme in shape, was filled with a double-strand rope pattern. The forepart on the threshold was designed as a large tabula ansata framing an inscription greeting visitors in Greek (KALOS EKEIS). This paved room was decorated by an emblema in opus vermiculatum (tesserae : c. 0,3 cm) featuring a bust of bearded man holding a cup (Dionysos-Bacchus), while the border frame was in opus sectile. The emblema was monted on a round terracotta trey (dia. C 0,64 cm). In Antiquity, this figural representation was damaged and crudely completed with lime mortar. The mosaics are dated to 2nd-3th century AD. The author explains the conservation work in the Villa of the Birds with the mosaic pavements, seriously endangered one year before by water seeping from a nearby broken pipeline.