Conny Waters – AncientPages.com – The Domus Aurea has once again revealed an extraordinary discovery related to the workshops responsible for the frescoes in this monumental residence, which Emperor Nero commissioned.
The Domus Aurea, Emperor Nero’s grand palace in ancient Rome, was completed in the 1st century C.E. This impressive Golden House was constructed following the Great Fire of 64 C.E., an event for which Nero faced accusations of having started to make room for his new palace.
Domus Aurea, Nero’s Golden House, Rome. Credit: Andy Montgomery – CC BY-SA 2.0
During archaeological work at the Domus Aurea, researchers discovered a rare and amazing piece of Egyptian blue, known as the world’s first synthetic pigment. Egyptian blue is recognized as the oldest artificial pigment, dating back approximately 5,000 years to a tomb painting from the reign of Ka-sen, Egypt’s First Dynasty’s last king.
Egyptian blue was widely used in ancient times and played a significant role in art and decoration. It was commonly applied in wall paintings, tombs, mummies’ coffins, and as a ceramic glaze called Egyptian faience. This pigment’s use extended beyond Egypt to Mesopotamia, Greece, and even distant regions of the Roman Empire. Since Egyptian blue was not naturally occurring, its inclusion in artworks signified considerable prestige and value.
Credit: Parco archeologico del Colosseo
The ingot found at the Domus Aurea weighs 2.4 kilograms (5.2 pounds) and is comparable in size to a swollen grapefruit. Typically encountered in powdered form or as small fragments—such as those found at Pompeii—Egyptian blue rarely appears in such substantial pieces. This extraordinary discovery has astonished scientists due to its unprecedented size and weight within archaeological records, indicating a high level of expertise among artisans involved in crafting Nero’s residence.
Sala della Sfinge (Sphinx Hall) inside Domus Aurea. Credit: Public Domain
The Colosseum Archaeological Park has announced in a press statement that recent excavations have uncovered significant findings, including traces of workshops where materials for the palace’s frescoes were prepared. Among the discoveries are two jars from the palace’s construction period, containing remnants of pigments such as yellow ochre, red earth, and realgar—a red mineral pigment. These findings provide valuable insights into the techniques used to create the intricate frescoes that decorated the palace walls.
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The workshops played a crucial role in producing materials for Domus Aurea’s elaborate interior. Researchers at the Archaeological Park of the Colosseum are hopeful that their ongoing work will reveal more about Egyptian blue and how ancient artisans utilized these vibrant pigments.
Credit: Parco archeologico del Colosseo
Alfonsina Russo, Director of the Archaeological Park of the Colosseum, remarked on this discovery: “The allure conveyed by this pigment’s deep blue is incredible.” She further noted that once again, Domus Aurea captivates by showcasing the brilliance of colors used by painters who expertly adorned this exquisite imperial palace.
Written by Conny Waters – AncientPages.com Staff Writer
