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Roman — Roman

Mosaic

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The mosaic has survived almost intact. The few missing sections have been restored. It is in two sections: one square, the other semi-circular so as to fit into an apse or semi-circular end to the room. In the square portion, an interlaced guilloche ring borders a central stylized flower. Outside this are two interlocking squares of guilloche, and the whole area is bordered by a further guilloche frame. Stylized floral motifs and acanthus buds are placed in each corner. Between the two main areas of decoration lies a band with a scroll motif of leaves and a central floral pelta. A guilloche border surrounds the apsidal or semi-circular end, enclosing a semi-circle of shaded scale pattern and also a scallop shell. The design, which consists of red, white, yellow, black and green tesserae is surrounded by a plain red border.

At the time of discovery, there were the remains of a stone-built wall around the semi-circular end of the floor and channels beneath for underfloor (hypocaust) heating. Box-flue tiles were found embedded in the walls, and would have carried the hot gases through from floor to ceiling. A series of tiles laid in herringbone fashion higher in one wall indicated the position of a window, and this has been reproduced in the reconstruction.

Category:
Roman
Object ID:
2120
Object name:
mosaic
Object type:

mosaic

Artist/Maker:
—
Related people:

Related events:

Related places:

Production date:
Roman
Material:

ceramic, stone, mortar

Measurements/duration:
L 5030 mm, W 2990 mm [measured 04.03.2019] (overall)
Part of:
—
On display:
—
Record quality:
100%
Part of this object:
—
Owner Status & Credit:

Permanent collection

Copyright holder:

digital image © London Museum

Image credit:
—
Creative commons usage:
—
License this image:

To license this image for commercial use, please contact the London Museum Picture Library.

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Roman Prehistoric Roman Early Medieval City of London
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