Mosaics of the Greek and Roman World [Paperback]

The first major study in English of the art of mosaics in antiquity.This is the first major study of the art of mosaic in antiquity. Covering over a thousand years through an area from Britain to Syria and beautifully illustrated with over 350 photographs, it studies the technical aspects and social implications of mosaics as domestic and public decoration.This is the first major study of the art of mosaic in antiquity. Covering over a thousand years through an area from Britain to Syria and beautifully illustrated with over 350 photographs, it studies the technical aspects and social implications of mosaics as domestic and public decoration.Mosaics reached their fullest development under the Romans who used them to decorate the floors of their houses and public buildings. This book gives a comprehensive and fully illustrated history of mosaics in the Greek and Roman world, and studies their development over a thousand years throughout the Roman Empire. Chapters are devoted to technique, to the role of mosaics in architecture, and to their social implications and the role of patrons. This book is the only complete study in depth of this rich material.Introduction; Part I. Historical and Regional Development: 1. Origins and pebble mosaics; 2. The invention of tessellated mosaics: Hellenistic mosaics in the east; 3. Hellenistic mosaics in Italy; 4. Mosaics in Italy: Republican and Imperial; 5. The north-western provinces; 6. Britain; 7. The North African provinces; 8. Sicily under the Empire: Piazza Armerina; 9. The Iberian peninsula; 10. Syria and the east; 11. Palestine and Transjordan; 12. Greece: the Imperial period; 13. Asia Minor, Cyprus, Constantinople; 14. Wall and vault mosaics; 15. Opus sectile; Part II. Technique and Production: 16. Craftsmen and workshops; 17. Techniques and procedures; 18. The repertory; 19. Architectural context and function; 20. The patrons; Conclusions; Maps; Glossary of ornamental patterns; General glossary.'This book is a masterpils+