Mosaics: The Decor of Bygone Civilizations

For most, with the wide range of materials and colours available, home decoration consists usually of a trip to the shop for paint or wallpaper, tiles, floor boards or carpets.

In bygone times this was somewhat different and archaeologists are uncovering mosaics from all over the world. We have been left with a wonderful legacy of wall and floor art.

The first examples of mosaics that have been found were from the fourth millennium, by the Sumerians, who inhabited South Mesopotamia. These early mosaics were made from shells, onyx and clay and were found in a temple in the ancient city of Uruk (Akkad), Iraq.

Another example of Sumerian mosaics, now housed in the British Museum, is known as The Royal or Battle Standard of Ur.

A mosaic of shell, red limestone and lapis lazuli.

A mosaic is normally made from stone or glass tesserae. Tessera means a small tile. In the example below it is possible too make out the individual tessera.

The amount of time, patience and effort that must have gone into creating these works must have been astounding. This example shows

“A small section of outer decoration from an extremely long corridor mosaic. It shows a well-executed two-strand guilloche pattern, which was a popular border in many mosaics from the 2nd century onwards.” (Source: website ‘Romans In Sussex’)

It would appear that the greatest exponents of this art in Europe were the Greeks and Romans.

Greek mosaic from the island of Delos

Detail from Bignor Roman Villa (U.K.)

The mosaics could be mainly decorative, like these examples from Pompeii.

Bikini-clad girls exercising. Pompeii

They would sometimes contain a portrait of the house owner.

They would portray pastimes or work related to the owner.

Fishing

Cockfighting

Hunting Scene

Deerhunt

Perhaps of Gladiators fighting:

Often they would be connected to myths or religion.

The sea goddess Amphrite

Cupid on a dolphin (Fishbourne Palace)

Sea Creature

 Medusa

Dionysus

Christianity followed suit, depicting Christ and the saints.

Christ

St John

Large Churches with large walls and funds, together with improved artistic perception, gave scope to some breathtaking work, like this one in St. Peter’s Basilica.

The earlier example I gave of tesserae is taken from the bottom left corner of this mosaic.

Throughout the years, like the tides, civilisations have risen and fallen.

But some things do not change. It is somewhat pleasing and amusing to find that one of the most popular motifs in the entrance to Roman Villas was cave canem

Beware of the Dog!