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Roman Bikini Girls Mosaic
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Roman Bikini Girls Mosaic
Detail from a 4th century Ad Roman mosaic showing three women exercising. The two on the right are throwing a ball. The woman on the left is carrying a palm frond and wearing a crown.Ancient Rome inherited the athletic system of exercises from the Greeks. The physical education of young people from aristocratic families was considered most important. The eminent Roman physician Galen (Claudius Galenus) recommended physical therapy for his patients. The women are exercising in their underwear. These garments, resembling modern bikini swimwear, consist of an upper part called the fascia pectoralis and a lower part the subligatur. These items were frequently worn in gymnastics, but otherwise were optional. The mosaic, from the Villa Romana del Casale near Piazza Armerina in Sicily, portrays ten young women. This mosaic has been interpreted as depicting an athletics competition
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Media ID 9240371
© SHEILA TERRY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Ancient Rome Athletics Competition Exercising Galen Gymnastics Mosaic Roman 4th Century Ad Mosaics Physical Education Piazza Armerina Villa Romana Del Casale
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This print captures a mesmerizing detail from a 4th century AD Roman mosaic known as the "Roman Bikini Girls". In this scene, three women are engaged in various exercises, showcasing the influence of Greek athletic traditions on ancient Rome. The two women on the right can be seen energetically throwing a ball, while the woman on the left carries a palm frond and wears a crown. Physical education held immense importance for young individuals from aristocratic families during this time. Renowned physician Galen even recommended physical therapy for his patients, emphasizing its benefits. Interestingly, these women are depicted exercising in their underwear, which remarkably resembles modern bikini swimwear. These garments were commonly worn in gymnastics but remained optional otherwise. The mosaic itself is located at Villa Romana del Casale near Piazza Armerina in Sicily and portrays ten young women. Scholars have interpreted this artwork as depicting an athletics competition, highlighting the significance placed on physical prowess during that era. This remarkable image not only offers us insight into ancient Roman culture but also serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of mosaics as an art form. With its rich historical context and stunning visual details, it is no wonder why this photograph continues to captivate viewers today.
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