Restoration of mosaics in the Roman dwellings of El Jem (Thysdrus)

As part of Tunisian-Italian cooperation between the Institut National du Patrimoine and the Parco Archeologico del Colosseo in Rome, a project to restore the mosaics in the Roman dwellings of El Jem (Thysdrus) was launched in 2025. This involved an initial operation in April and a second from 09 June to 04 July 2025. As part of this project, the INP obtained a donation from the Italian side, comprising restoration products and equipment.

In April 2025, the mission began with the initial phase of surveying using a 3D laser scanner to carry out the topographical survey and geo-referencing of the entire archaeological area concerned. The aim of this process is to build up an effective documentary base for restoration projects, as well as for the creation of 3D models and their useful reconstruction with a view to enhancing and promoting the site.
In June 2025, the Parco archeologico del Colosseo and the Instituto Nazionale del Patrimonio launched the second phase of restoration work on the mosaics of the Roman Domus of Thysdrus, entrusting this task to C.S.R. Restauri di Riccardo Mancinelli, experts in mosaic restoration, with the assistance and collaboration of conservators and restorers from the archaeological site of El Jem. During this phase, the work undertaken led to the documentation and restoration of the mosaics in three Roman houses on the El Jem archaeological site: the domus Sollertiana, the peacock house and the dolphin house.