Context - The territory

The Mansio, a stopping place

Since the time of Emperor Augustus, who established the cursus publicus, the postal system designed to control and manage the vast territory of the Empire, to allow mail to move profitably within the Roman road network, it had been necessary to find somewhere to stay overnight, find refreshment and change horses.
These needs were met by the mansiones, unique structures whose name derives from the Latin verb manere, meaning to stop or to stay. They were placed at various distances from each other, but could generally be reached by travellers within a day’s walk.
The mansio of Sophiana was located along one of these routes, listed in the Antonine Itinerary , a public road that connected Agrigento to Catania then continued towards Rome.

A decoration that marks time

The composition of the spaces

The Peristyle of the Villa

Date Clues

The myth of Orpheus

Pars Fructuaria e Pars Rustica

A room dedicated to the sea

The Mansio, a stopping place

A large banquet hall

The Latifundium

The layout of the rooms

A dignified setting dedicated to the myth of Arion

The public rooms of the Villa

The Mansio of Sophiana

The room of the seasons