Did you know that the earliest known examples of mosaic
pieces were found at a temple in Ubaid, Mesopotamia? These pieces that date back
to the second half of 3rd millennium BCE were made of various
materials like shells, pieces of colored stones, and ivory.
Also, evidence of the first glazed tiles was found in excavations
at Susa and Choqa Zanbil. They were dated to be from around 1500 BCE.
Fourth century BCE mosaics are found in the Macedonian
palace-city of Aegae and they adorn the floors of Hellenistic villas and Roman
homes. Roman villas across north Africa have magnificent mosaic floors and they
remain to be seen in the vast collection in Bardo Museum in Tunisia.
Most of the famous mosaics of the Roman Empire were made in
Africa and in Syria, and many of them can be found in Tunisian museums. Most of
these pieces date from the second up to the seventh century CE.
The most common subject for mosaics was scenes in Roman mythology.
The Orpheus myth and the muses, and oftentimes with the god Apollo, are also frequently
depicted. Other subjects include hunting, agriculture, fishing, as well as arts
and crafts. Amphitheater and circus games as well as the four seasons of the
sea are also much-appreciated subject for mosaics.
Trivia Info Resource: www.themosaicstore.com.au
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