opus tesselatum

Isaac Kremer/ September 9, 2018/ / 0 comments

An ancient black and white mosaic floor which is typical of Roman domestic architecture. This specific pattern of interlinking triangles and squares is a common geometric design (opus tessellatum) found in villas throughout the Roman Empire, including sites like Pompeii and Herculaneum. These mosaics were typically made from small, cut squares of marble, tile, or glass called tesserae and were a symbol of wealth and status for Roman homeowners. The designs were used as durable and decorative floor coverings, often in entrance corridors or courtyards. (Kremer, 2025) Photo from Pompeii, Italy, 2025.