Fragment, Mosaic Pavement
Country
Syria
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Object detail
Description
Section of Roman flooring, comprised of black and white tesserae (c.40 white ?limestone/?marble and 14 black) laid in coarse white mortar which has a fresh break on one side only. Each tessera is c. .5 to 1mm square - suggesting a moderately expensive floor.
Classification
ARCHAEOLOGY Roman masonry fragment
Measurements
H32mm x W74mm x D60mm
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 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
H5429
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