The visible remains of the Villa Romana del Casale date to the first quarter of the 4th century AD and were built over an older villa rustica. It was the master's residence of a large agricultural estate. The owner is debated. Tetrarchic military insignia led some scholars to suggest an emperor such as Maximian, and others favor a senatorial aristocrat.
The site covers 22 acres (8.92 ha). The single-story villa centers on a peristyle, with baths, private apartments and a large basilica. The mosaic and opus sectile floors cover about 37,700 square feet (3,500 m²). They include the Great Hunt, the Orpheus mosaic, the labours of Hercules and women athletes in outfits that closely resemble modern swimsuits.
A landslide covered the villa in the 12th century. Gino Vinicio Gentili's major excavations from 1950 to 1960 were followed by a protective cover over the mosaics. UNESCO listed the villa in 1997.
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