Domvs Romana: A Glimpse into Malta's Roman Past

The Domvs Romana, or Roman House, is a ruined Roman-era house situated between Mdina and Rabat, Malta. Constructed in the 1st century BC, it served as an aristocratic town house within the Roman city of Melite. The site was discovered in 1881 and subsequently excavated, revealing remarkably well-preserved Roman mosaics, statues, and other artifacts.The museum, built on the site to protect the mosaics, opened in 1882 and was the first building in Malta specifically constructed to house a museum of a particular archaeological site. The museum's displays illustrate various aspects of a Roman aristocratic family and household, including family roles, fashion, education, entertainment, and food. A highlight is the set of marble statues portraying Emperor Claudius and his family, a rare find in a private house.The house features a colonnaded peristyle inspired by Greek architecture. The well-made polychrome mosaics in Hellenistic style are a highlight, showcasing decorative motifs and mythological scenes. The mosaics are comparable to those found in Pompeii and Sicily. Other artifacts include coins, glassware, tableware, bath accessories, and amphorae.In the 11th century, a Muslim cemetery was established on the remains of the domus. Excavations have unearthed tombstones and other remains from this period, which are also displayed in the museum. The museum has undergone several renovations, including the addition of a neoclassical facade and a display room. It reopened to the public in 1945 after being used as a restoration center during World War II.