One of my Italian passions is the study of the ancient Romans. I especially love the artwork, like the excavated wall frescoes in Pompeii and Ostia, sculptures from the Roman forum, and mosaics, which were used as decor in public buildings and the homes of the wealthy. While much is now in museums, many of the floor mosaics can still be seen at their original location.
Because mosaics were considered a symbol of wealth and status, whenever I see one in an archaeological site, I know the building was inhabited or commissioned by those who knew the luxuries of life. These two tile photos below are from the original second century home of Saint Cecilia beneath the Basilica of Santa Cecilia in Trastevere, Rome.
Small black and white squares, called tesserae, were cut from marble, tile, or glass to make the two and 3-dimensional, geometric designs dominant of the 1st through the 3rd century in the vicinity of Rome. Why mostly just black and white was used at this time is thought to be a style choice as colored tiles were also used in other areas.
The Greeks, who heavily influenced the Romans, created mythological scenes and marine life in their designs which were adopted by the Romans. In addition, Roman mosaics often involved themes of violence and drama, depicting savage hunts and gladiatorial battles.
Below are several mosaic floors uncovered at Hadrian’s Villa ( Villa Adriana) in Tivoli, southeast of Rome. These whimsical geometric designs are pretty amazing and include 3 dimensional.
Ancient Roman mosaics often give a lot of insight into the lifestyle of the ancient Romans such as who they were, where they walked and what they valued. Artwork is truly a reflection of not only the artist, but of the people and culture of those times.
Beautiful post, Susan. Mosaics, whether in a home or a garden, always create a lovely ambiance. Yet, another reason to love Italy.
Blessings ~ Wendy
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Wendy, thank you. I hope your summer is going well. And I agree with you, Italy has a lot of beauty to be admired.
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Enjoyed your post, I also love the cosmati flooring
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Thank you;)
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What a timely article and such helpful comments! Trastevere is a must see part of Rome for an evening passiaggiata as well, as I’ve just learned on my summer visit. Always something wonderful to discover in Rome!
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Hi Kathryn! Yes, I completely agree. My favorite evening passiaggiata is walking through those ancient streets of Trastevere, listening to street music and passing diners enjoying the evening with friends. A perfect evening!
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Lovely post Susan. If you love mosaics you must must visit Ravenna!! Have yet to go make it to the sights of Trastevere, so this is another must see for my next trip 😀
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I have been to Ravenna….years ago. But I have since lost my photos…maybe they will turn up yet. I would love to return and drink it all in more deeply:)
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That seems like another reason to go back Susan 😀. I got the chance to visit for just a day last month and it was magical.
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This May is my plan to return for a chunk of time…there are so many things I want to see again. But I find I’m criss-crossing the entire country:)
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I go crazy for mosaics and tiles, almost as much as i adore frescoes. Have you been to Palazzo Massimo in Roma? The intact frescoes from the house of empress Livia is on display. You enter in the dark and then lights go on. There are also amazing mosaics. There will only be about 5-10 other people in the massive palazzo when you go. I might go again tues afternoon to escape the heat!
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I wish I were there because I’d join you. This sounds like a fabulous show!
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It is a permanent exhibit, not a show-so you can see it next time you are in Roma!
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ok, that is good news! I plan to be in Rome next May…..thanks for the head’s up on this:)
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That is a fantastic array of beautiful tiles – and timelessly stylish, thanks!
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My pleasure, Jennifer. Thanks for stopping by.
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All of them are beautiful
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Thanks George, I agree:)
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I love the ancient mosaics, too! And the floors and patterns in black and white tiles are so striking. To me, they look so sophisticated, and also modern. And to think that people were walking on such beautiful floors a couple thousand years ago. We have linoleum and wall-to-wall carpet, which of course are for the masses, but our everyday patterns don’t even approach these. Your examples are particularly impressive.
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Thank you Karen! I agree with you…our patterns are a far cry from these ancient Roman designs.
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