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| Italian restorers work on the Casa dei Dioscuri in Pompeii [Credit: AFP] |
Some fear that if the Pompeii area loses the ‘stamp’ of world heritage site, there could be ripple effect for other smaller sites.
Evidence suggests that Villa A was owned by first century Emperor Nero and believed to have been used by his second wife, the notorious Poppaea Sabina, when she was not in Rome.
It is threatened by humidity – in particular the painted walls and mosaic floors.
Recently archaeloogists have shed new light on the original site of the house, believing it changed during the eruption of Vesuvius.
Geologist Elda Russo Ermolli said: “Poppea’s villa in Oplontis had a panoramic location with a view of the gulf of Naples, in fact it was located right above the sea, on a cliff that was about 15 metres high. This cliff was terraced, with gardens that allowed access to the villa even from the shore.”
The villa is known for its sheer size and magnificent frescos, but also for its gardens and Olympic sized swimming pool.
But for all its attractions and great age, Villa A barely registers on the tourist trail, leading to uncertainty over its future.
Source: EuroNews [July 03, 2013]