Trajan, the 2nd-century Roman emperor, oversaw Rome’s greatest territorial peak and vast public works; today he’s in the news as ancient Rome’s Bath City opens, revealing a monumental 1st-century fresco-and-mosaic complex
The Painted City fresco and the Great Mosaic have been restored and unveiled by Mayor Robert Gualtieri. They were discovered in the Baths of Trajan’s underground gallery during 1990s excavations near the Colosseum. A limited public opening begins this month in groups of 15 to monitor humidity and climate impact before broader access.