Mosaic History

The Battle of Issus Mosaic, created in the 4th century BC, is the earliest known mosaic.

The Romans were the most prolific creators of mosaics in the ancient world.

Mosaics were primarily used to decorate public buildings, such as temples, palaces, and baths.

Opus tessellatum is a type of mosaic made from small, square tiles.

The Hagia Sophia Mosaic, created in the 6th century AD, depicts the emperor Justinian and his entourage.

The Great Mosaic of Antioch, created in the 3rd century AD, is the largest mosaic in the world.

The Alexander Mosaic, created in the 2nd century BC, depicts a scene from Homer's Iliad.

Glass is the primary material used to create mosaics.

The Villa of the Mysteries Mosaic, created in the 1st century BC, depicts a scene from the Old Testament.

Opus sectile is the technique of creating mosaics by cutting and arranging pieces of colored stone or glass.

The Ravenna Mosaic, created in the 5th century AD, depicts a scene from the New Testament.

Opus tessellatum is the technique of creating mosaics by arranging small, square tiles in a pattern.

The Villa of the Mysteries Mosaic, created in the 1st century BC, depicts a scene from Roman mythology.

Opus vermiculatum is the technique of creating mosaics by arranging small, irregular pieces of colored stone or glass.

The Alexander Mosaic, created in the 2nd century BC, depicts a scene from Greek mythology.