Pagan cult mosaic found under cathedral

MSNBC ^ | Tues., Feb. 3, 2009 | Rossella Lorenzi

[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.

[marsh2]

I admit, I am baffled by the duck-holding.

The guys always get stuck with the bill?

[rdl6989]

That’s funny right there.

[roscommon]

You should see what is under St Peter’s Cathedral in the Vatican!

[roscommon]

Scratch that.

I meant St Peter’s Basilica.

[neb52]

But Bach was also one of the first composers whose work was saved and reused. It was normal to toss your preceding kapellmeister’s work and start fresh.

[Verginius Rufus]

I've been below the main altar in St. Peter's church--lots of graves of popes, also the area where the church thinks St. Peter was buried. I don't remember there being any mosaics.

Peter started out as an adherent of the Mosaic law but got over it (Acts 10).

[El Sordo]

Maybe that's where the old wife’s tale started that music helps plants grow.

[D-fendr]

But Bach was also one of the first composers whose work was saved and reused.

Interesting, I had no idea. Does change the perspective. Thanks...

[neb52]

There is a great book that the gang here of the classical music ping list recommended that you might consider. It is The Lives of the Great Composers by Harold C. Schonberg. He divides things up by style and giving the biggest composers their own chapter. It is quite the tomb, but the way it is written you can just read about which style or composer you want and come back to it at anytime.

[D-fendr]

thanks!

I’m assuming “tomb” = “tome”. ;)

I’m really grateful for you guys thoughtfulness; I look forward to reading it.

best regards..

[neb52]

LOL! Sorry yes I might tome. I always get that one wrong.

[roscommon]

The next time you are in the Vatican you need to go have a meeting with the Scavi — talk with the Swiss Guards. There are a few pagan mosaics amongst all of the ancient burial sites below St. Peter's.

[Verginius Rufus]

I didn’t know that tourists were allowed to talk to the Swiss guards. I guess I better learn some Swiss so I can ask them.