Terracotta tile

The presence in the Rotonda of various fragments dating to a period that is much more ancient than the Rotonda itself adds to the mystery. For instance, on the wall between the columns on the lower level and the columns of the matroneum, we find three tiles that are very similar. They are decorated with winged griffons facing each other separated by a vase, almost certainly symbolizing the Tree of Life. The one we can see here is damaged in the centre, but it still allows to identify a small and significant scene. The origin of the fragments is unknown. They evidently come from a preexisting construction, and this highlights the cultic continuity of the place, where according to a legend the Temple of Diana once stood.