Port Scene, A.D. 1-300, North Africa, stone and glass. Courtesy of the Ferrell Collection

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Roman Mosaics across the Empire

by Archaeology Newsroom - Monday, 1 August 2016

In ancient times, mosaics decorated luxurious homes and public buildings across the Roman Empire. Intricate patterns and figural scenes were created by setting small pieces of stone or glass, called tesserae, into floors and walls. Introduced by itinerant craftsmen, mosaic techniques and designs spread widely, leading to variety of regional styles. The mosaics in this exhibition date from the 2nd through the 6th centuries A.D., and come from far-flung places: Italy, North Africa, Southern France, Turkey, and Syria. Recovered from various archeological contexts, they provide a glimpse into the richly embellished architecture of the ancient world.