Roman cosmological mosaic
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Roman cosmological mosaic
Detail from a Roman cosmological mosaic, Augusta Emerita (Merida), Spain. The mosaic is in the so-called Mithraic House which dates from the 1st or early 2nd century AD. The mosaic gives a Roman view of the cosmos with the heavenly powers at the top the terrestrial powers in the middle and the world of water at the bottom.This image shows the Water deities, Oceanus, the god of the earth-encircling river and the regulator of the rising and setting of the heavenly bodies which were believed to emerge and descend into his watery realm; Euphrates, the river god of Assyria; Nilus, the god representing youth and Nile water and Portus. Also shown are Tranquillitas, the roman goddess of peace and security and copiae the roman goddess of plenty, here shown as representing a personification of seafaring
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Media ID 6331185
© Sheila Terry
2nd Century Ad Mosaic Roman Spain 1st Century Ad Euphrates Merida Nilus Oceanus
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases a mesmerizing detail from a Roman cosmological mosaic found in Augusta Emerita (Merida), Spain. Dating back to the 1st or early 2nd century AD, this remarkable artwork offers us a glimpse into the ancient Roman view of the cosmos. The mosaic is divided into three distinct sections, each representing different realms of existence. At the top, we witness the heavenly powers, where celestial bodies rise and set under the watchful eye of Oceanus. As the god of the earth-encircling river, he controls these movements with grace and precision. Moving down to the middle section, we encounter terrestrial powers represented by Euphrates and Nilus – gods associated with Assyria and Nile water respectively. Their presence symbolizes both youthfulness and abundance. The bottom part depicts an enchanting world of water dominated by Portus, while Tranquillitas stands as a serene embodiment of peace and security nearby. Additionally, Copiae personifies seafaring activities as she represents plenty in this intricate portrayal. Through this image, we are transported back in time to explore not only artistic mastery but also gain insights into how Romans perceived their place within the vast universe surrounding them. This stunning mosaic serves as a testament to their deep-rooted beliefs about cosmic order and divine influence over various aspects of life on Earth.
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