Enormous Roman Mosaic Found Under Farmer's Field

Yahoo ^ | 9/17/2012 | Stephanie Pappas

[mojito]

A giant poolside mosaic featuring intricate geometric patterns has been unearthed in southern Turkey, revealing the far-reaching influence of the Roman Empire at its peak.

The mosaic, which once decorated the floor of a bath complex, abuts a 25-foot (7-meter)-long pool, which would have been open to the air, said Michael Hoff, a University of Nebraska, Lincoln art historian and director of the mosaic excavation. The find likely dates to the third or fourth century, Hoff said. The mosaic itself is an astonishing 1,600 square feet (149 square meters) — the size of a modest family home.

[....]

So far, the researchers have revealed about 40 percent of the mosaic. The floor is in "pristine" condition, Hoff said in a university video about the dig. It would have fronted an open-air marble swimming pool flanked by porticos.

The mosaic itself is composed of large squares, each sporting a unique geometric design on a white background, from starburst patterns to intertwined loops. It's the largest Roman mosaic ever found in southern Turkey....

[Squidpup]

http://imaksim.com/

[Squidpup]

http://imaksim.com/political-satire-humor/obama-party-parody/

Party guests from left to right: Tim Geithner, John Kerry, Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, Oprah, Nancy Pelosi, Joe Biden, Axelrod, Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, Hillary Clinton, Michaele Salahi, Rahm Emanuel, Eric Holder, Tareq Salahi, Harry Reid, John Edwards, Bluto, Andy Stern, Bill Clinton, Chris Matthews, Keith Olbermann, Barney Frank, Kevin Jennings

Statues left to right: Che Guevara, Saul Alinsky, Obama, Chairman Mao, Lenin

[mojito]

Thanks!

[TheOldLady]

The guy hugging Lenin looks like Keith Olbermann to me.

[colorado tanker]

These are beautiful and amazingly well preserved. The dude who built this villa must have been really rich.

[SunkenCiv]

The Romans really built the crap of things, that’s for sure.