Cube Designs in Roman Baetica Mosaics

Abstract

The cube and the prism are frequent components of geometrical compositions featured in Roman mosaics. They can be found as free elements belonging to the secondary decoration of many pavements, or as part of friezes or mosaic panels, sometimes mixed with other geometrical figures to shape various compositions and sometimes used as exclusive motifs and single theme, forming unitary and/or modular panels. This paper will focus on the latter. In our catalogue of Geometrical Designs, these modular compositions with three-dimensional cubes or “tumbling blocks” and with elongated cubes or prisms define models E3 and E3A respectively. Even though these are present in a significant number of pavements in the Roman Baetica, we cannot assume their widespread use since they are so far absent from sit es with a well-established mosaic tradition, such as Italica, Hispalis or Carmo. In contrast, Astigi and Corduba are the cities where more pavements with these designs have been found. In this paper we will also analyse the process of development of both models, and how these compositions, dominant and solid by their own characteristics despite the sense of movement they transmit, can produce diverse effects and create different optical perceptions by simply changing the point of view from which they are observed or with a slight colour change. This last aspect is essential to allow the design its main feature, which relates to a three-dimensional effect.

Keywords

• roman baetica
• geometric mosaic
• geometric design
• composition
• cube