A Roman mosaic at the bottom of a bathing pool has come to light after 1,600 years, and seems to show that the modern “flip-flop” sandal has an archaic origin story.

Far from being invented by Havianas, it seems they were long-established as standard bathhouse footwear during the late imperial period.

In a statement by the Villa Romana del Casale archaeological park and museum, recent excavation activity has brought back to light a rich mosaic in one of the villa’s bathing rooms that “enriches the already vast patrimony of the site.”

“The mosaic reminds one of the modern infradito, ” or ‘between toe,’—the Italian word for flip-flop. “It wasn’t treated like simple decoration, but as a refined work of art from a master mosaic artist,” the statement added.

It was found by Isabella Bal

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