A rare treasure, A 1,000-year-old mosaic found under Rome

A five-year excavation has yielded a unique treasure, with archaeologists discovering a stunning 2,300-year-old mosaic near the Roman Colosseum.

Scientists made this discovery in excavations located on the side of the Palatine Hill in Rome, revealing a large banquet room dating back to the first or second century, which features a large, intact, brightly colored mosaic wall.

2,300-year-old mosaic, made of coral and shells, emerges from Rome after five-year dig

Historians estimate the work to be 2,300 years old, and it forms part of an aristocratic palace near the Roman Forum (a rectangular public square that was located in the center of ancient Rome), which archaeologists have been excavating since 2018.

The ancient artwork is approximately five meters long and consists of colorful shells, mother-of-pearl (also known as mother of pearl, a collection of combined organic and inorganic materials produced by some mollusks), shells, coral, precious glass and marble.

The masterpiece depicts a legendary underwater scene featuring mythical sea creatures, lotus leaves, vines and a multi-headed spear, according to CNN.

“In ancient times, when powerful noble families inhabited the Palatine Hill, it was customary to use rich decorative elements as a symbol of extravagance and high social status,” said Alfoncio Russo, head of the Colosseum Archaeological Park.

Professor Alfoncio described the discovery as unparalleled, and said that the room would have overlooked a garden, and would be important for entertaining guests during the summer months.

Marco Rossi, professor of Roman archeology and head of the Mosaic Laboratory at the University of Roma Tre, explained: “Mosaics are usually found on floors, but they extend across the entire front wall and are incredibly well preserved. They were not destroyed by the weight of the debris, as can happen to some mosaics.” On Earth, although it is delicate, it has not suffered cracks over the centuries.

The detailed mosaics also feature naval and land battles won by a wealthy aristocratic patron who would have celebrated his victories through this work.

Professor Marco Rossi explained that the artwork could have been a sign of great social status and wealth, and that this type of find is extremely rare because wall pieces are more delicate than those on floors that were designed to withstand trampling.

Alfoncio explained that those working on the project are trying to confirm whether the coral used in the piece is from the Mediterranean or the Red Sea, and they hope to reveal the identity of the owner, who is likely to be a member of the Roman Senate.

They also hope to have the space open for public viewing as of January.

A flash of plasma for two seconds operating a developed model of the thermonuclear reactor in Russia

Scientists from the National Research Center "Kurchatov Institute" obtained a plasma flash in a new model of the "Tokamak T-15MD" thermonuclear reactor with a plasma current of 260 kiloamperes.

The plasma flash continued for more than two seconds, which set a record among the thermonuclear "Tokamak" reactors in Russia.

The press service of the Kurchatov Institute said: “This indicator is the record among Russian thermonuclear tokamak reactors in terms of the duration of their plasma pulse.”

She added that the temperature of the electronic component of the plasma reached about 40 million degrees Celsius. 

 It is noteworthy that the Kurchatov Institute reviewed the readiness of all its components in May 2021 with the participation of Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin. As for turning on the reactor power, where the first high-temperature plasma was obtained, it was achieved in March 2023. The temperature of the plasma at that time reached one million degrees Celsius, while its pulse lasted for a period of only 100 milliseconds. Regarding the reactor's consumed capacity, it reached 30 megawatts.

Now the temperature has reached 40 million degrees Celsius. Much higher than the temperature of solar plasma.

The head of the Kurchatov Institute, Mikhail Kovalchuk, pointed out that the rates achieved are not an end in themselves for researchers. He explained: “The thermonuclear reactor is important to us as a source of thermonuclear neutrons, and it is part of the technological cycle of future green nuclear energy, and the “Atomic Project 2.0.” We were the first to show scientists the “Tokomak” reactor in the world, and now we have solved the problem of creating A prototype of the new tokamak that would become a powerful source of neutrons was calculated and developed within a short period of time and is now operating successfully, and this is a great success for Russian science.”