Three geometric mosaics were found in adjacent rooms to the north of the northern peristyle. Mosaic 1 was excavated in 1925 and 1987. It is in an apsidal room that has been interpreted as a summer dining room (the "eastern triclinium"). The mosaic is characterized by black-and-white meanders and squares, and polychrome braids. There could have been a figurative depiction in the apse.
Mosaic 1 (Von Gonzenbach 1961, nr. 8) during the excavation in 1925. Photo: Paunier et al. 2016, fig. 373.
Mosaic 1 in its present state. Photo: Paunier et al. 2016, fig. 383.
Mosaic 1 in its present state. Photo: Paunier et al. 2016, figs. 384 and 384bis.Mosaic 2, black-and-white, has overlapping circles with inscribed stars and squares. Because of the resulting oval shapes it has been called the "laurel leaves mosaic". It was discovered in 1863, reburied, and excavated again in 1915 and 1925. The room has been interpreted as a vestibule between two triclinia with mosaics 1 and 3.
Mosaic 2 (Von Gonzenbach 1961, nr. 6). Meas. 4.85 x 6.55 m. Photo: Dubois 2016, fig. 172.Mosaic 3 has black-and-white lozenges, triangles and squares, and polychrome vegetative motifs and braids. It was excavated in 1925. It is in an apsidal room that again has been interpreted as a summer dining room (the "western triclinium"). Again there could have been a figurative depiction in the apse.
Mosaic 3 (Von Gonzenbach 1961, nr. 7). Photo: Paunier et al. 2016, 392.A fourth geometric mosaic, mosaic 7, was discovered in 1841 in the southern diaeta. It is characterized by squares and leaves, and is known as the "squares and lozenges mosaic". Quite remarkable is the use of dark-yellow stones in this otherwise black-and-white mosaic. The room has been interpreted as the vestibule of the adjacent room with mosaic 6, the "rustic procession mosaic".
Mosaic 7 (Von Gonzenbach 1961, nr. 1). Meas. 3.21 x 2.54 m. Photo: Paunier et al. 2016, fig. 230.
[14-Mar-2024]
