THE EXHIBIT
Chersonesos. 160 - 140 AD
This mosaic floor, which is preserved in excellent condition, is made of multicoloured stone tesserae with details in coloured glass, using the technique known as opus tessellatum. The mosaic is framed by a braided guilloche motif delimiting four octagons, each containing concentric circles decorated with a running spiral in the top pair of panels and a band in the lower pair. Within the circles are various birds: doves with pomegranates, fighting roosters, sparrows with pomegranates and parrots drinking water from a cup. The perfectly executed composition is reminiscent of iconographic models from Pompeii. The mosaic probably adorned the house of a wealthy family in the flourishing Roman city of Chersonesos.