Archaeologists have uncovered Roman frescoes dating to the first century B.C. during excavations at the ancient Greek city of Akragas (Ἀκράγας) in Sicily, along with pieces of plaster and architectural remains from a large building constructed after the island came under Roman control.
The discovery was made just south of an ancient meeting place where free citizens once gathered for public assemblies. Researchers believe the remains may have belonged to the colonnaded courtyard of a large Roman house or possibly to a monumental public portico.
The excavation is part of the third field school conducted by researchers from the Normale in the San Nicola Hill area of Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples Archaeological Park. The project is supervised by professor Gianfranco Adornato, while the archaeological park is directed by Roberto Sciarratta.
Roman frescoes found at the ancient Greek city of Akragas offer new clues about a major building constructed after Sicily came under Roman control. pic.twitter.com/R6B9fGUPhJ
— Tom Marvolo Riddle (@tom_riddle2025) October 6, 2026
Adornato said the latest work has allowed researchers to identify the structure more clearly. Columns and evidence of a covered walkway suggest that part of the complex was probably a large courtyard surrounded by a portico.
Roman frescoes deepen understanding of ancient Greek city of Akragas
Archaeologists also recovered many fragments of multicolored painted plaster. The pieces have been linked to the second and third styles of Roman wall painting, which were used during the late Roman Republic and early imperial period.
Researchers are still studying whether the building was a very large private residence or a public structure connected to a nearby Roman temple. The Roman frescoes could help clarify how this part of the ancient Greek city of Akragas changed as Roman influence reshaped its public spaces and institutions.
The excavations also found evidence that the area remained in use for centuries. Researchers examined the remains of an apse from a small early Christian basilica that had previously been interpreted as part of another type of architectural structure.
Adornato described San Nicola Hill as a key area in the center of the ancient city because it contained important civic buildings, including assembly halls and a theater. Studying the site, he said, can help explain both the city’s development and changes in government during the transition to Roman rule.
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