A lavishly illustrated look at the history of Roman mosaics in Britain, from a renowned expert in the field.

The stories illustrated in the mosaic pavements that have survived from Roman Britain graphically link us to the world of the Romans in a way that literature, with its nuances of interpretation, cannot. After explaining how and why mosaic pavements were made, Dr. Patricia Witts looks at many of the 200 figured Roman mosaics that can be enjoyed in museums and sites throughout the country. Most portray mythological characters, and the author explains the underlying myths; others are taken from daily life or depict animals, birds, and marine creatures. This lavishly illustrated study is accompanied by a full glossary of technical terms and a gazetteer of relevant sites and museums.

This book brings together over 70 prints and drawings from the collection of nearly 3,000 items formed by Richard Topham (1671-1730). Some are the only records of mosaics that no longer survive, many are published here for the first time.