Fascinated by the discovery reported by Archaeology News of an ancient domus that likely belonged to a senatorial family. The former luxury mansion, located between Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum, contains a “rustic” or “rural” mosaic preserved in astonishingly good condition:
“Dating to the last decades of the second century BC, the mosaic is made from sea shells, Egyptian blue tesserae, precious glass, tiny fragments of marble and other colored stones.”One of the most striking features of the domus is an extraordinary mosaic wall covering referred to as “rustic,” dating back to the last decades of the 2nd century BCE. Composed of sea shells, Egyptian blue tesserae, precious glass, marble fragments, and other colored stones, this mosaic depicts intricate scenes of naval warfare and conflict. The representation includes weaponry, trumpets, and ship prows adorned with tridents and rudders, symbolizing triumphs both on land and at sea.”
Filed under: archeology, architecture, classical art, cultural news
MEMETERIA by Thomas May 