the Villa of the Birds
The Villa of the Birds or Kom al-Dikka is a breathtaking Roman house located in Alexandria, Egypt. This historic site has several interesting features as  

1.discussed below: 

2.Discovery and Origin: 

In 1998 while conducting their excavations at Kom el-Dikka, the Polish Archaeological Mission discovered the villa.
It was built during the reign of the Roman Emperor Hadrian (117 AD – 138 AD).
The villa was christened after its exquisite pavement which is made of intricately decorated mosaic tiles. 

3.Bird Mosaic: 

The most wonderful element of the Villa of the Birds is the mosaic floor in the center of the house.
It features pictures of different types of birds such as the pigeon, peacock, parrot, quail, and water hen.
A stylized lynx with the horns of its defeated victim embellishes this artwork.
The masters employed glass paste and stone in addition to fine pieces of cubes made of marble to make this piece of art.
Of the few that exist, this actual and ornamental figural mosaic is one of the three known mosaics from Alexandria’s Dry Site during the Roman era. 

4.Villa Complex:  

The level of Roman villa complex is around 10 meters below the street level. 

5.In addition to the bird mosaic, it consists of: 

Gymnasia
Baths
An Odeon theatre
Residential areas
Although the mosaic was partially burned in the late 300s, it has a mosaic measuring still impressive 110 square meters. 

6.Preservation and Restoration: 

In order to visit the Villa of the Birds, guests may stroll around a raised platform enclosed by a protective roof. 

7.During this period, archaeologists and conservators worked on a joined project for preservation: 

They were removing the soot from the mosaics which had been marred by fire

Repairs were implemented to damage inflicted on the walls by the fall of other walls.
Worn parts were reinstated to the mosaic for protective purposes and to withstand vandalism.
A sub-surface aeration system to prevent wetness was installed.
There is a walkway above for the view of the guests.
Explanatory signs indicate importance of the mosaic.