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The long narthex in the thermae (gym) is decorated with a circus scene . Horse-drawn chariots careen around a track, in the centre of which is an image of the obelisk of Constantinus II.

Here the emperor’s family is shown: mother, son and daughter, accompanied by their slaves, are carrying equipment they will need for the baths and gym .

The reception room is decorated with a hunting scene – one of the earliest mosaics laid down in the villa. Hunters and their dogs chase beasts, finally spearing a wild boar, carting him away on their shoulders.

These mosaics show two countries (personified at either end) surrounded by sea. The array of animals on land and in the sea is astounding – including elephants, lions and tigers, and a leopard attacking a gazelle.

Perhaps the most famous mosaics in the villa . The bikini-clad athletes have apparently just finished a competition and the winner has been awarded a flowered crown and a palm sceptre.

On the north side of the xystus , the elliptical garden off the triclinium , are three rooms decorated with scenes of the vendemmia (grape harvest); the rooms on the south side are decorated with fishing scenes.

The triclinium, used for banqueting, opens on one side onto a lovely garden surrounded by an elliptical portico. The mosaics are of a grand scale in keeping with their subject, the Ten Labours of Hercules.

The floor of this living room, which had marble-faced walls, is decorated with a lively scene of the bejewelled Arion, holding a conch shell as a sceptre. She is surrounded by Niads and sea creatures, all in fine detail.

The floors of the family’s private apartments are decorated with scenes of a children’s hunt. Lush decorative panels throughout depict foliage and baskets of fruit and vegetables.

Near the entrance to the villa notice remains of the aqueduct, which provided ample water not only for the baths, but also for the extensive gardens, fountains and household use.