Saturday, 3 October 2026

Fourth-century mosaic of exotic animals being shipped, Villa del Casale, Sicily

Ancient Roman mosaic of men leading a bull and ostriches up gangways onto a sailing ship, with fish in the water and buildings behind.

A magnificent mosaic of scenes showing the transport of exotic animals, 4th century AD, Villa del Casale, Sicily. I am particularly struck by the exhaustive information it gives on the clothing of the period, in both colours and details.

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