Late antique mosaic and their archaeological context

The late antique mosaic floor can be used as an emblematic example for the analysis and understanding of ancient artefacts in relation to the historical and social framework. Many aspects must be considered: archaeological methods, recording systems, investigation of materials and technical qualities, iconographic and stylistic studies, all of which could be useful in an interpretation of the monuments and social classes which generate this type of decoration. It is part of the archaeological process which also concerns, in a sense, the ‘future’ of mosaic, not only within the projects of restoration and conservation, but also the proper planning and extensive use of the object in a cultural project with broad implications. These issues are analysed through some famous and significant Italian examples: Piazza Armerina (Villa del Casale), Faenza (Domus di via Dogana), Rimini (Piazza Ferrari, Domus di Palazzo Gioia) and Ravenna (Palazzo di Teoderico, Domus di via d’Azeglio).