Intricate Roman mosaic found underneath Italian vineyard

A Roman mosaic floor has been discovered in good condition underneath a vineyard in Italy.

The floor was found by architects in the district of Negrar di Valpolicella near Verona in the north-east of Italy.

Architects first found evidence of the remains of a Roman villa hidden underneath the vineyard in the early 20th century, officials have said.

The discovery was made after "decades of failed attempts", according to a statement on the district's website.

Technicians are now working on the safest way to excavate the mosaic floor, which is believed to date to the 3rd century AD.

The latest attempt to uncover the floor started in 2019, but had to be abandoned earlier this year due to the coronavirus outbreak in Italy.

Local officials have warned that getting the floor out safely will require "significant resources" but that they will provide "all the necessary collaboration".

Archaeologist Myko Clelland came across the discovery online and tweeted about it in a post that has since gone viral.

Mr Clelland said: "Newly discovered just outside of Verona, what could be this year’s biggest discovery – an almost entirely intact Roman mosaic villa floor!"

Italy has recently taken the first steps out of coronavirus lockdown after more than two months of severe restrictions on movement, with the country badly hit by the virus.

People can come into and out of the country, while travel between regions is also now allowed. Gyms, swimming pools and sports centres reopened this week.