Geometric References of Roman Mosaics in North Africa

This paper deals with the geometric analysis of the Roman mosaics found in the domūs of the archaeological areas of Volubilis, in Morocco, and Bulla Regia, in Tunisia. It analyzes the expressions of mosaic art which in the Roman Empire, between the second and fourth centuries A.D., attained a particular geometric decorative refinement. The tessellation of the mosaics of Volubilis and Bulla Regia is just an example of a cultural universe that for centuries has been a testimony to the lifestyles and myths of the Roman Empire and that today, if appropriately exploited, could contribute to enhance the knowledge and the identity of the Mediterranean heritage. The research proposes a reading of the mosaic apparatus through the study of the constitutive geometric elements. This leads to an analysis useful for the classification of figures and symmetry patterns, and understanding of their meanings. The methodology adopted is that of disassembly and reassembly of areas of mosaic tiling, creating a dialogue between the two-dimensional geometric elements of the flooring and the architectural context in which they are inserted.