Ancient Roman Mosaic

An ancient Roman mosaic was a decorative art form widely used throughout the Roman Empire. Made from small pieces of stone, glass, or ceramic called tesserae, mosaics decorated floors, walls, and ceilings of villas, bathhouses, and public buildings. Designs ranged from simple geometric patterns to detailed scenes showing gods, animals, daily life, and mythology. Mosaics demonstrated wealth, education, and artistic taste, while also being durable and practical. Regional styles developed across the empire, including Britain. Today, Roman mosaics provide valuable insight into Roman culture, beliefs, craftsmanship, and the visual storytelling of the ancient world.