A floor mosaic believed to be part of a villa once owned by sixth-century AD Ostrogothic 'emperor' Theodoric the great has been unearthed outside Verona, local sources said Wednesday. Experts said the size and richness of the mosaic features indicated ownership by Theodoric (454-526) or one of his highest ministers. The find was made during digging to replace gas pipes at Montorio outside Verona.

"Bits of mosaic, thermal facilities and residential complexes have been emerging in a scattered way at Montorio over the past decades and it is now time to systematize them," said Verona cultural heritage superintendent Vincenzo Tinè. Theodoric the Great was king of the Ostrogoths (471-526), and ruler of the independent Ostrogothic Kingdom of Italy between 493 and 526, regent of the Visigoths (511-526), and a patrician of the East Roman Empire.