
A famous mosaic of Alexander the Great, originally from Pompeii and now on display at the National Archaeological Museum in Naples, has been the subject of a detailed scientific analysis. Comprising some 2 million tesserae, the complex artistry and content of the mosaics was found to extend beyond Alexander’s ancient empire. These stones and mineral fragments were obtained from quarries throughout Europe, including the regions of Italy, Spain and Tunisia. The discovery highlights the extensive craftsmanship and resources used in its creation.
Content origin
According to study Published in PLOS One, the tesserae consisted of ten different colors, including shades of white, red, green, yellow, and pink, all carefully combined to create stunning artistic effects. According to For Live Science, portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) was among the methods used to identify the chemical composition of mosaics. In particular, the white tesserae were associated with the Marmor Lonense quarries in Italy, while the pink pieces were traced to Portugal and the yellow elements were found to originate in Tunisia.
Artistic and historical significance
The Alexander Mosaic, created 2,000 years ago, was buried during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. It depicts Alexander the Great defeating the Persian king Darius III in battle in 333 B.C. Researchers note that these subtle luminous effects likely contribute to its iconic status in ancient art.
Protection insight
During the analysis, traces of gypsum and natural wax were identified which are applied in modern restoration. The researchers also found structural weaknesses in the back of the mosaic that had previously been treated with gypsum-based substances. These findings highlight important considerations for future conservation efforts.
Mosaics offer remarkable insight into the art, history and technological sophistication of the ancient world.
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The hidden details of the Alexander the Great mosaics have been revealed through a unique study of the Alexander Mosaic
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