[5] The villa itself is sited in an unusual location – the unevenness of the terrain, which was riddled with small streams and natural springs, would seem to render it unsuitable for such a large dwelling.

[6] To cope with the difficult terrain, the building itself was constructed on four terraces, cut into the hillside and heavily buttressed, which are still evident on the gallery connecting the two main wings of the house.

[7] The site currently consists of the remains of low walls which give a good idea of the general shape of the building.

Besides its unusual shape, the villa has a few features worth noting, including a bath house and latrine, household shrine and an octagonal room of unknown use.

The fittings were removed in the late 4th century, but debris nearby suggests they were originally made of sandstone.

This mosaic suggests an individual treatment of the standard sea animal and fish designs that circulated in copy books.

During the early excavations, the walls of this room were found covered with a coat of stucco painted in panels of different colours.

[10] A religious function has also been suggested, but it is more likely that the room simply formed part of an imposing entrance for the building.