Ancient mosaics

This illustrated book traces the evolution of mosaic from the Hellenistic period to the early Christian era, with particular emphasis on the Roman Empire, and examines its regional variations from Britain to North Africa and from the Levant to the Spanish seaboard. Roger Ling explains how mosaics were first made in the fifth century BC with the use of inset pebbles to provide durable pavements. From pavements, mosaic graduated to walls and ceilings, where it culminated in the soaring blue and gold work of early Christian churches in Rome, Constantinople, and Ravenna. Ling also examines such topics as techniques and materials, the relationship of mosaic to other forms of interior decoration, and the problems of modern museum display. Ancient Mosaics makes a major contribution to classical scholarship and will also appeal strongly to art historians, artists, designers, and general readers.