Sandals in Roman villa

Archaeologists are examining an ancient mosaic depicting sandals that closely resemble modern flip-flops.

In the ruins of an ancient Roman villa in Italy, archaeologists have discovered a mosaic depicting a familiar summer footwear. Found in the villa’s bath complex, the 1,600-year-old sculpture depicts a pair of blue-and-brown sandals that resemble modern-day flip-flops. Villa Romana del Casale is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in central Sicily. Dating back to the 4th century AD, it was built at the foot of a hill on three extensive terraces. Since archaeologists began careful excavations of the villa in the 1950s, monumental structures and works of art have been discovered.

The baths include a gymnasium, a massage room, and a large restroom. These rooms are decorated with mosaics. For example, a mosaic in the massage room depicts an athlete receiving an oil massage. A mosaic in the shape of a flip-flop decorates the frigidarium, which houses pools of cold water.

Romans generally wore sandals frequently. Soldiers chose thick-soled caligae, while civilians wore thinner, more casual soleae. According to UNESCO, Villa Romana del Casale houses “the most magnificent in situ mosaics in the Roman world.” Besides the flip-flops, the house’s mosaics are noteworthy, including a hunting scene depicting Romans capturing exotic animals for display in Roman circuses, and the so-called “bikini girls,” depicting ten women participating in athletic competitions. Historians initially believed Villa Romana del Casale was an imperial residence, but later researchers concluded that it actually belonged to the elite. In the Middle Ages, a landslide covered the villa with rubble, which helped preserve it. Although it was rediscovered in the 19th century, archaeologists only began comprehensive excavations in the 1950s. Scientists are now using new technologies to better understand the site.