La domus di via Sibilla-via Diaz a Marsala. Spazi e decorazioni della suite di rappresentanza

Abstract

Since March 2023 the study of some domus of Lilybaeum partially brought to light through excavations in the modern city of Marsala is underway. The research, carried out within the framework of the Project P.N.R.R. “S.A.M.O.T.H.R.A.C.E.”, is aimed at the reconstruction and enhancement of the houses’ decorative systems in relation to the relevant architectural spaces. This paper presents the case-study of the so-called domus of via Diaz-via Sibilla, a private building dating back to the late Hellenistic period, inserted in a large residential district of the ancient city. Of this domus, discovered in 2006 during the renovation of the sewerage system of Marsala, three large rooms were unearthed, probably overlooking a larger open space, unfortunately not investigated because of the limitations of excavation, reduced to the width of the modern road. The available data are of significant interest as they allow us to define the occupation phases (until the 5th century AD) and, above all, to reconstruct the decorative apparatuses of the building, characterized by very refined floor and wall decorations (including mosaics, paintings and stucco frames).