Construction crews working on the renovation of the city hall in Écija, Spain, have uncovered a section of Roman mosaic along with remains linked to an ancient bath system, bringing fresh evidence of the city’s past to light.
The find came during excavation work about 2.4 metres below the current ground level. Archaeologists identified a strip of mosaic flooring measuring just over four metres in length. The piece once formed part of a Roman house, adding to what is already known about how this part of the city was organised nearly two millennia ago.
This area had drawn attention before. Excavations carried out in the 20th century in nearby Plaza de España, known locally as “El Salón,” revealed the outlines of three residential blocks from the Roman period. Municipal archaeologist Sergio García-Dils said the newly uncovered mosaic appears to belong to a fourth block, extending the known footprint of the neighbourhood.
He described the decoration as unusually well preserved. The visible section shows a geometric border, a common feature in Roman domestic mosaics. Based on similar finds, archaeologists believe the central area—still largely hidden—may include figurative scenes, possibly representing the seasons.
Unlike earlier discoveries in open areas, this mosaic lay beneath a site that has been built over repeatedly for centuries. Successive construction phases, including earlier town hall buildings, altered the original layout. Much of the Roman structure has been lost, leaving only a narrow surviving section.
Even so, the strip offers useful information. García-Dils noted that its survival is notable given the level of disturbance caused by later foundations, wells and drainage works. Further excavation may reveal an additional metre of the mosaic.
City officials considered leaving the mosaic in place, but ruled it out. Mayor Silvia Heredia said the conditions on site would make that difficult. The available height would be under two metres, and adapting the building plans would require major changes to the project.
Instead, the mosaic will be removed once excavation and conservation work is complete. Plans are being discussed to display it in a museum setting, possibly within the renovated town hall.
The dig also uncovered part of a hypocaust system, used in Roman times to heat bath areas. Archaeologists identified a small gallery where hot air would have circulated beneath the floor. The feature suggests the house included private bathing facilities, something usually associated with well-appointed homes.
Despite the discovery, work on the town hall has continued. Ángel Peña, the city’s Urban Planning delegate, said construction has not been suspended. Different parts of the project are moving forward while archaeologists continue their work on the site.
In the coming months, further excavation is expected to clarify how the house was laid out and whether additional structures lie nearby. The area has a long record of Roman occupation, and each new find adds detail to that picture.
For now, the mosaic and the bath remains offer another glimpse into daily life in Roman Écija, preserved beneath layers of later building and only now coming back into view.
Sources : Écija City Hall
