Ancient secrets under the mall: Excavation reveals a massive Roman estate from 2,000 years ago

Most people's visit to the local grocery centre involves avoiding trolleys while making a list of grocery items. However, in the Mostine district, which is located just near Split, Croatia, history can be seen rising over the pavement. In the vicinity of a modern Bauhaus hardware shop, an archaeology team has uncovered the cloak of a vast Roman estate that had been in obscurity for more than 2,000 years. This is an eerie illustration that in this area of the globe, it does not lie in a book that has been tossed aside; it's literally beneath your feet when you go shopping for household items.

The finding in Mostine wasn't exactly anticipated. An archaeologist, Eduard Viskovic and his team, belonging to the Kantharos group, were conducting what they believed was an ordinary sweep before the expansion of the commercial zone. They instead came across the most impressive architectural feat, which was a huge 6,500 square feet of stone wall that is still five feet tall. It began as a basic entryway, eventually revealed six huge rooms, and an intricate manufacturing system. It was more than an apartment; it was an advanced factory from the early days of the world.

The Mediterranean gold mine

The team was able to clear away the water and mud, and the real purpose of the excavation site was revealed. Viskovic uncovered a torcular press, which was a special Roman press that was used to extract olive oil. The story of the location, from one of an ordinary residence to one that was an important part of the local economy. The location of the villa was carefully chosen for the supply of the nearby city of Salona and served as the capital city of Dalmatia, the Roman Province of Dalmatia, as well as the home of the Emperor Diocletian.

The magnitude of this undertaking shows how important olive oil was in the Roman lifestyle. It was much more than an ingredient in food. It was also a source of energy for lighting and a foundation for perfumes, as well as an essential ingredient for healing. An article published within the Journal of Roman Archaeology describes how these agrarian estates, also referred to as the villa rustica, formed the foundation of imperial stability in the urban areas. Through the production of huge amounts of "Mediterranean gold," these structures allowed cities such as Salona to develop into huge urban centres with theatres, amphitheatres, and baths.

It is believed that the Mostine site is unique since it displays a mix of luxury and business. The one part of the complex was devoted to the arduous task of pressing olives and then storing oil in amphorae, while a different side showcased the luxurious lifestyle of a rich lord. Researchers discovered vibrant mosaic cubes, referred to as the tesserae. They also found delicate glass vessels as well as coins from the 2nd century to the 6th century. The owner of the vessel was probably a top-ranking citizen who ruled his agricultural estate as well as lived in luxury.

Preserving a legacy in a modern world

Today, walking through the area seems like walking across a bridge through the ages. It is possible to see the channels through which olive oil was pumped into basins of stone, set in the shadow of new residential developments. The intersection of old and new is a defining aspect of living in Croatia. But the process of preserving these treasures is an uphill battle with the elements. The Mostine site has indeed experienced continuous flooding throughout the excavation, and the excavation team has to remove and stabilise the soil constantly.

Since the remains are far too big to move into the Split Archaeological Museum, the team is planning to record every inch before covering the structure with geotextile as well as gravel. This protects the stone's weathered surface from deterioration and allows the city of today to grow over it. It's a solution that balances the demands of an economy in the 21st century and the responsibility to preserve our 1st century past.

Research published in the International Journal of Heritage Studies stresses that "reburial" of archaeological sites is typically the most responsible way to guarantee longevity of the site, even when the idea of an outdoor permanent museum would be unattainable. In tucking the walls back to the ground, archaeologists can ensure that the next generations, possibly with more advanced technology, will be able to discover the secrets of the olive oil industry in Salona.

The local museum, which is one of the most prestigious in Croatia, is filled to the seams with the country's culture. The grounds are full of sculptures of stone as well as sphinxes, which Diocletian famously brought over from Egypt. But it is true that, as Mostine's findings show, the greatest artefacts can be found just waiting to be discovered, even in the most ordinary areas. In Split, each construction job could be an opportunity to learn about history. Every shopping excursion will take you to the imperial backyard.