Opus Signinum, Terrazzo, Mortier et Béton de Sol : Un Etat de la Question

Abstract

After a brief presentation of the various materials used in these pavements and the description of their decorative repertoires, we discuss the question of vocabulary. Indeed, for several years, many problems of terminology divide the scientific community. The study of ancient texts and the different interpretations of the De Architectura of Vitruvius, rather than clarifying the study of this type of pavement lead to make it more confusing. A detailed commentary of the new terminology defined by Italian researchers, shows that it is not easy to standardize the descriptions. Further difficulties arise when it comes to translate a word in another language, as interpretation often generates new ambiguities. I consider mortar pavements as the most suitable general term for this pavement type, because mortar is the basic component and at the same time the most neutral term. Finally, it seems appropriate to revisit the term of terrazzo-signinum used widely, (perhaps wrongly) in the French archaeological literature.

Keywords

• greco-roman world
• mosaics
• mortar
• vitruvius
• pliny the elder