u/Gamerdude505

One of the greatest collections of Romain mosaics in situ, maybe only rivalled by Pompeii. Unlike other sites and collections, the mosaics belonged to one agricultural estate (late 4th century) while many are thematically linked (lots of hunting scenes), and some mosaics have truly unique depictions of rare subjects, from women at the gymnasium and the largest hunting mosaic ever to even a Indian goddess. The mosaics were made by African craftsmen, linking this to the numerous beautiful mosaics we find in Tunisia and Algeria.

Was found in the grave of Constance of Aragon, the consort of Frederick II, King of Sicily and Holy Roman Emperor. The crown is likely hers, and the style seems to be inspired by the Eastern Roman Empire, as were many Norman/Sicilian art and buildings.

It may be a Norman structure, but Sicily’s geography and history as well as the Hauteville dynasty’s inclusive policies turned this into the ultimate synthesis of Eastern Roman, Arab, and Latin craftsmanship. This really is one of the best examples of Byzantine-style mosaics left in the world