Leaping animal, possibly a horse. 300s AD mosaic, created for the floor of the North Hall in the Basilica of Aquileia, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy. The mosaic is now displayed in an underground archaeological area known as the Excavation Crypt.
Image details
Contributor:
Terence Kerr / Alamy Stock PhotoImage ID:
2D3HJDNFile size:
34.9 MB (3.2 MB Compressed download)Releases:
Model - no | Property - noDo I need a release?Dimensions:
4288 x 2848 px | 36.3 x 24.1 cm | 14.3 x 9.5 inches | 300dpiDate taken:
30 August 2008Location:
Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta, Aquileia, Friuli Venezia Giulia, ItalyMore information:
This image could have imperfections as it’s either historical or reportage.
Aquileia, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy: as Christianity spread through the Roman Empire in the 4th century AD, this leaping quadruped - possibly a horse - was among the animals depicted by artists creating the mosaic floor of the North Hall of the Basilica of Aquileia, the ancient city’s first legal church. The animal is typical of the imaginative - if anatomically inaccurate - animal and bird images dominating the remains of the North Hall mosaic, now on public display in an underground archaeological area known as the Excavation Crypt. Most are rich in Christian symbolism although some, such as a lobster in a tree or a goat with a horn, are open to interpretation. The original church was built on land in the heart of the Roman metropolis, which had a population of about 100, 000, making it one of the ancient world’s largest cities. Building began soon after Roman emperors Constantine and Licinius had signed the Edict of Milan in 313 AD. The Edict proclaimed religious toleration throughout the empire and enabled Christian communities to build places of public worship without fear of persecution. The first church was destroyed, but it was rebuilt four times over several centuries, each time preserving elements of the previous buildings. The present Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta looks from outside to be built mainly in medieval Romanesque-Gothic style, but inside, the vast 4th century mosaic pavement shows its earlier origins. The colourful designs were only revealed when red and white 11th century floor tiles were lifted between 1909 and 1912. D0679.A8123