The cult of heroes reflected on mosaic pavements

• Authors: Agnieszka Ochał-Czarnowicz
• Languages of publication: EN

Abstracts

EN

Figural mosaics pavements were one of the most significant elements of interior decoration in antique private buildings. It is certain that parallel to their decorative function they were deeply associated with the social and religious life of members of household. This is why the mosaics representations set within their architectural and social context could become an extremely important evidence for changing interests and beliefs in the ancient word. Founded by private people and used in private houses, mosaics reflect the vision of world which is quite different from the official religious propaganda. Unfortunately, only few representations known from mosaics are strictly related to private cult practices. The mosaic with a scene of sacrifice from Saint-Romain-en-Gal and from Ostia, some mosaic panels from Roman Villa in Casale and a mysterious composition from Amisos can be treated as exceptions. They give us some ideas about private cult practices in Greco-Roman world and tell us about hopes of their founders.

Keywords

EN

Roman mosaic pavements; private cult practices; cult; of heroes; Achilles; Hercules; Roman Villa in Casale; Piazza Armerina

• Publisher: Księgarnia Akademicka
• Journal: Studies in Ancient Art and Civilization
• Year: 2011
• Volume: 15
• Pages: 235-246

Contributors

author

Agnieszka Ochał-Czarnowicz

• Jagiellonian University

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