Posted on 02/03/2009 12:58:11 PM PST by nickcarraway
A Roman mosaic floor filled with scenes depicting pagan rites and oriental gods has emerged from the ground of a Catholic church in Italy, archaeologists announced.
The mosaic pavement, which measures 140 square feet and dates to the fourth century A.D., was unearthed at a depth of about 13 feet below the the ground's surface during archaeological investigations in the crypt of the Cathedral of Reggio Emilia, in central-northern Italy.
"The size and design of the mosaic pavement suggest that it formed the floor of a huge room. We believe this was the residence of a wealthy Roman," Renata Curina, the archaeologist in charge of the dig, told Discovery News.
The fact that depictions of pagan gods had lain for hundreds of years just a few meters under the cathedral doesn't come too much as a surprise, according to the archaeologist.
"The church was built on top of preexisting building structures. This is rather normal in Reggio Emilia. We can see that little care was taken of the mosaic floor, since pillars are built on top of it," Curina said.
SNIP
What makes the mosaic unique, however, are three large mythological scenes.
"So far all scenes show naked figures. We are still trying to figure out their meaning. I believe that more clues might come to light as we continue to dig," Curina said.
The scenes are rather unusual. One shows a naked man falling into someone's arms, another displays two naked figures — a man and a woman — wearing jewels. The woman holds a just caught fish, while the man holds two live ducks.
(Excerpt) Read more at msnbc.msn.com ...
At least this was discovered in the 21st century where it is recognized for its artistic and historical value instead of several hundred years ago where it may have been destroyed as evil.
Some would say it’s a clear indicator UFO’s are real. Bwahahahaha!
GGG ping?
Man, I’d sure like to have some Roman tile setters step through a time portal and do all the floors and baths in my house in hand-laid mosaics. While they’re at it, I’d get them to do the kitchen area backsplash too.
If they don't know the meaning, how do they know the pictures are "mythological scenes"?
I guess they don’t believe a woman could catch a fish, or a man could hold ducks, except in mythology. I admit, I am baffled by the duck-holding.
Laid down during the Caligulia period I'd say.
Sounds like a typical Caligulia type orgy with fainting men, naked personages, fish, and ducks.
Getting ready to kill and eat them?
Ascribing “mythological” or “cultic” significance to anything of unknown meaning is a common practice in archaeology. Maybe it’s just artwork, like some of the graphic decor in Pompeii.
That sounds like a song from 'Oklahoma !'
“Everything’s Up to Date in Kansas City!”
It's a menu ...
I’m not going to think to hard about that, right before supper, thanks. I’ve never been there, only seen videos and photos.
I will always wonder what has been lost that we shall never know about because of such actions.
Or like how prior to the late 1800’s or so, there was no market for the writings that nomads would stumble upon in the desert. So any such find was supposedly used to fuel cooking fires.
Breaks my heart.
There is a Catholic church in Lucca, San Giovanni, where 2nd-century Roman mosaics were discovered beneath the church--I haven't seen them but I would assume they are pagan rather than Christian.
Oooh, that was bad!
The great majority of Bach’s compositions were used for mulch around plants.
|
|
|||
Gods |
Thanks Señor Zorro. |
||
|
· Discover · Nat Geographic · Texas AM Anthro News · Yahoo Anthro & Archaeo · · The Archaeology Channel · Excerpt, or Link only? · cgk's list of ping lists · |
|||
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.