The Roman quadrilateral of Turin, the ancient Augusta Taurinorum, has a new public square and a new archaeological area.
In 2017, during renovation work on the former Augustinian convent – on the corner of Via delle Orfane and Via Santa Chiara – a complex of rooms dating back to the Roman Imperial period between the 1st and 3rd centuries was discovered. These are four rectangular rooms overlooking a colonnaded courtyard, possibly belonging to a public building or intended for private social activities.
Among the many finds, a fragment of decoration consisting of hexagons inscribed in a circle was found in the eastern part opposite the entrance. It was made with black rectangular tiles arranged in a “basket” pattern, a technique never before seen in Turin. In the southern room, a large, almost intact mosaic was unearthed: a square measuring approximately 1.2 m on each side, composed of black and white marble tiles, dating from between the 1st and 3rd centuries, depicting the mythological figure of Actaeon as he is being transformed into a stag (he already has antlers) and brandishing a stick with which he attempts to defend himself from the attack of his hunting dogs. Being torn apart by his dogs is the punishment inflicted on him by Diana because Actaeon spied on her nakedness.
The Roman domus had a large portico with large gates and richly painted plasterwork. The mosaic tiles are made of marble, which is a rarity.
The area is open to the public free of charge, with access via the main entrance of the building at Via delle Orfane 20. Guided tours are also available.