Originally, the umbone (boss) was an iron relief plate placed, by ancient peoples and the Romans, in the central part of the shield. It had both a defensive function, to deflect enemy arrows and spearheads, and an offensive function, as it was also used to drive back and strike opponents. There are ...

Originally, the umbone (boss) was an iron relief plate placed, by ancient peoples and the Romans, in the central part of the shield. It had both a defensive function, to deflect enemy arrows and spearheads, and an offensive function, as it was also used to drive back and strike opponents. There are ...

Painting technique used to apply colour, normally composed of natural earth or mineral pigments, on a plaster base before it is dry. This way, the colour, applied “a fresco” (when wet), is absorbed by the plaster, which incorporates the pigments as it hardens and fixes them onto a strong and com...

Painting technique used to apply colour, normally composed of natural earth or mineral pigments, on a plaster base before it is dry. This way, the colour, applied “a fresco” (when wet), is absorbed by the plaster, which incorporates the pigments as it hardens and fixes them onto a strong and co...

The mosaic inscription is inserted in a panel placed along the ambulacrum surrounding the peristyle, near the central part of the eastern side, in an area close to the steps leading to the upper level of the corridor of the great hunt. According to studies, the panel was inserted after the general c...

In the classical age, the kantharos was a terracotta vase used as a wine pitcher in banquets. It has the shape of a deep cup standing on a tall base with two handles higher than the opening. It was an attribute of the god Dionysus and follows his ritual. In Roman times the predominant vessel was th...

In the classical age, the kantharos was a large terracotta vase used as a wine vessel in banquets. It has the shape of a deep cup standing on a tall base with two handles higher than the opening. It was an attribute of the god Dionysus and follows his ritual. In Roman times the predominant vessel wa...

A characteristic decoration that uses tiles of various colours placed to form geometric weaving patterns....

An acrostic consists in forming a new word, that makes complete sense, with the initials of other written or figurative words. In the mosaics of the portico there is the repeated presence of an ivy leaf and a bird in the opposite corners of each square This combination led to the search for a hidde...

Protome means the representation of the front, including the head and neck, of an animal or man, though the latter is not seen as often. The significance of the depicted subject is thoroughly expressed by the artist, using only the front part of the body. The considerable number of animal protomes ...