Archaeologists from the University of Salzburg uncovered three exceptionally preserved Roman mosaics during excavations
A remarkable archaeological discovery has captivated historians and culture enthusiasts alike: three extraordinarily well-preserved Roman mosaics have been uncovered in Thalheim bei Wels, a site near the ancient Roman city of Ovilava (modern-day Wels). The ongoing excavations, led by archaeologists from the University of Salzburg in collaboration with the Upper Austrian State Cultural Institution (Oberösterreichische Landes-Kultur GmbH), have revealed a vast Roman villa complex dating back nearly 2,000 years.
A Major Archaeological Site Overlooking Roman Ovilava
Since 2023, researchers have been exploring the ruins situated on Reinberg hill, offering a commanding view of what was once Ovilava—an important Roman settlement in Noricum. The scale and location of the site are impressive. Covering more than 1,000 square meters, the villa likely belonged to one of the wealthiest families of the region, based on the architectural complexity and high-quality decorative elements found.
Three Unique Roman Mosaics Discovered
During the final week of the 2024 excavation campaign, archaeologists uncovered the first of three stunning mosaic floors. Two more mosaics have since been revealed during the 2025 dig. One features a large vessel with curved handles and a wide mouth, believed to depict a krater, an ancient mixing bowl for wine—an object commonly used in Roman feasting rituals. Another mosaic shows intricate geometric patterns, only partially excavated to date.
The true highlight, however, is a mosaic depicting two dolphins, a rare and symbolic motif in Roman art often associated with marine themes and vitality. Roman mosaics are an extreme rarity in Upper Austria, making this find not only significant due to its excellent preservation but also because of its artistic and cultural value.
Open Excavation Day: June 10, 2025
The excavation phase concluded on June 6, 2025, but the public will have a rare opportunity to view these ancient masterpieces up close. On Tuesday, June 10, a special Open Excavation Day will allow visitors to experience the mosaics on-site and learn more about the ongoing research from the experts themselves.
Led by Renowned Experts
The project is directed by Dr. Felix Lang of the University of Salzburg and Stefan Traxler from the Upper Austrian State Cultural Institution. Their work continues to shed new light on Roman life in Noricum and enrich our understanding of Upper Austria’s ancient heritage.
Cover Image Credit: Oberösterreichische Landes-Kultur GmbH
