Fragment, Mosaic pavement, Pompeii
Production date
Pre Aug 0079 CE
Country
Italy
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Object detail
Description
Fragment of mosaic, possibly from a floor. Majority in white tesserae with alternating directionality, and border of black tesserae. Irregular edges on all sides. Old label affixed to pavement surface. Roman, from Pompeii pavement.
Classification
ARCHAEOLOGY Roman masonry fragment
Production date
Pre Aug 0079 CE
Production place
Measurements
L112mm x W84mm x D22mm
Media/Materials description
Stone
History and use
Floor mosaics made of tesserae (small stone cubes) provided a personalised decorative element to buildings. Black tiles on white backgrounds became popular and quickly spread from Ancient Rome. The 4th century AD saw mosaics transform, with hunting and mythological scenes and floral and geometric designs common. Floor mosaics declined with the advent of wall mosaics around the 6th century AD. Designs could be made using a pattern book, and floors could either be laid in place or using pre-made sections in large square frames.
Associated person
Registration number
H327
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