In 2020, archeologists unearthed an extraordinary find beneath a vineyard in northern Italy.

They found a nearly perfect mosaic floor dating back to the 3rd century BC, likely the foundation of an Ancient Roman villa.

The story of this ancient site began in 1922 in Negrar di Valpolicella, near Verona, when initial traces of the estate were discovered. Yet, almost a century passed before scientists returned to unearth its full glory.

“Archaeologists have been looking for this mosaic since at least 1922,” explained Alberto Manicardi, head of operations for the dig near Negrar. “We knew it was there but were not able to exactly locate it.”

According to Camilla Madinelli of the local newspaper L’Arena, a team from the Superintendent of Archaeology, Fine Arts, and Landscape of Verona had started digging in the area before the COVID-19 pandemic initially struck.

The Guardian reported that just a week after returning to the site, the team made the largest discovery yet.

Local authorities released a statement saying:

“After countless decades of failed attempts, part of the floor and foundations of the Roman villa—identified by scholars a century ago—has finally been unearthed.”

According to the statement, the tiles were discovered just a few meters below the vineyard’s surface. These mosaics were typically used for decorating floors and walls in the Ancient Roman world.

“We believe a cultural site of this value deserves attention and should be enhanced,” Negrar di Valpolicella Mayor Roberto Grison told L’Arena, as translated by the Guardian. “Therefore, we will work with the superintendent and agricultural funds managers to make this treasure accessible to the public.”

The discovered mosaic features intricate designs known as “Solomon’s knots,” according to Atlas Obscura. Experts hope that these unique patterns will help them explore the villa’s history and significance.

Sources: L’Arena, Comune di Negrar di Valpolicella