Key Roman Era Mosaic: Insights Gained by Researchers

The mosaic depicting Alexander the Great, discovered in Pompeii, was crafted using nearly 2 million stone and mineral pieces. Researchers found that these elements were sourced from far beyond the ancient empire of Alexander, writes Live Science.

The study highlights how materials known as tesserae originated from quarries scattered across Europe, including Italy and the Iberian Peninsula, as well as regions in Tunisia. This finding showcases the extensive trade networks of the time, extending well beyond the historical territories of Alexander, which stretched from the Balkans to modern-day Pakistan.

The Alexander mosaic, approximately 2,000 years old, was buried during the catastrophic eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD. Discovered in 1831 in the luxurious House of the Faun in Pompeii, this artwork is now displayed in the National Archaeological Museum of Naples.

Described as "the most important mosaic of the Roman era," it portrays the Macedonian leader Alexander the Great and his army achieving victory over Persian king Darius III in the Battle of Issus in 333 BC. Notably, the image features a solitary tree, referencing the "battle for the dry tree," a name preserved in Arab and medieval texts.

Modern restoration efforts on the mosaic began in 2020 utilizing advanced non-invasive methods. Portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) allowed researchers to analyze the composition of the tesserae, discovering the use of ten different colors, including shades of white, pink, yellow, green, and blue. These colors were combined with remarkable precision to create dramatic artistic effects.

The face of Alexander, in particular, stands out with a complex arrangement of pink tesserae with variations in brightness reflecting different chemical compositions.

Researchers traced the origins of the tesserae to ancient quarries that were active during the Roman Empire. For instance, some white stones were linked to the Marmor Lunensis quarries in Italy, which operated between the 1st century BC and the 3rd century AD. The richly pink pieces may have originated from Portugal, the yellow tesserae from Simitus in Tunisia, and the dark red stones from Cape Matapan in Greece.

Interestingly, traces of modern materials such as natural wax and gypsum were found, likely used during previous restoration efforts to protect the mosaic. Internal examination revealed gaps in the gypsum layer on the underside of the mosaic, which could potentially threaten its structural stability—a key concern for future conservation.

This study not only sheds light on the artistic and cultural significance of the mosaic but also demonstrates the importance of careful restoration to preserve one of the most significant works of ancient art for future generations.

Additionally, we reported on the "rhino" under the highway. Archaeologists uncovered a 1500-year-old stone sarcophagus from the Roman era, weighing 750 kilograms.