Roman Mosaics KS2

There have been over 2000 examples of ancient Roman mosaics that have been found in Britain alone. This quintessentially-Roman art form gives us an incredible insight into the lives of people in the Roman era.  

What is a mosaic?

Roman mosaics were typically used as decorative flooring, although they were also used to decorate walls and vaults. They were often designed to be seen from different angles in the room, changing perspective depending on which part of the room you were looking at it from. Mosaic were used by wealthy Romans to express their status. They could be used to show scenes from mythological stories, religious figures and emperors, as well as labyrinth and geometric patterns. They were also used to show aspects of daily life, such as food, weapons, tools, and flora and fauna. We can learn a lot about Roman life from the mosaics they left behind.

A Roman mosaic showing the deities Dionysus and his wife, Ariadne

How were Roman mosaics made?

Roman mosaics were made from geometrical blocks called tesserae. These tesserae were arranged to make patterns, images and motifs, and were then stuck to mortar (a kind of cement) to keep them in place. Tesserae could be made from stone, brick, tile and pottery. Glass and marble were also used sometimes, as well as stones and pebbles. If you were very wealthy, you could use gold in your mosaics.

Where have Roman mosaics been found?

Examples of Roman mosaics have been found all across the former Roman Empire. This means they have been found as far north as Britain and all the way down through Europe and into northern Africa. The Romans made mosaics wherever they went.

A map of the Roman Empire at its peak

Examples of Roman mosaics

Here are some examples of ancient Roman mosaics:

Part of a mosaic found in Italy showing an African elephant being loaded onto a ship

One of the mosaics at Fishbourne villa in Britain showing Cupid riding a dolphin

This mosaic shows Roman gladiators in combat

This Roman mosaic, now in a museum, has lots of geometric patterns.