Overview of the western excavation area during the 5th campaign. In the front of the picture there is a wall that seems like its closing the residential area to the west. In the background of the picture there is a paved area that it may be used for the service of the villa.

Translated by Lara M. Moreda
Edited by Andrew B. Greeves

The 5th season will be complete with cleaning and consolidation of the mosaic floors that were discovered this year. This work involves the removal of the lime scale that’s covering the mosaics (using the technique mentioned before). Subsequently, the more sensitive areas or broken ones are consolidated in situ in an effort to protect the artifacts. In accordance with the requirements set by our restorer, Mrs. Adela Rodriguez, we cleaned and put gauze (with a solution of acrylic resin + acetone) on the most damaged parts of the mosaic. Furthermore, gaps and cracks in mosaics are sealed with specific restoration products.

This image shows how we eliminate the calcareous crust (on the mosaic) using scalpel blades.

The meticulous work we do to clean the mosaic pavements.

This is the moment when we proceed to put gauze in a much altered zone by the inclusion of graves.

This shows how the tiles once had gauze over them.

Translated by Lara M. Moreda
Edited by Andrew B. Greeves

Among the works being undertaken include cleaning the mosaic pavements discovered in the current campaign. This task takes place slowly and carefully when the pavement is still a bit wet. The method is to remove the soil and calcium carbonate crust manually with spatulas, and then finish using a scalpel blade to clean the mosaic completely.

Translated by Lara M. Moreda
Edited by Andrew B. Greeves