Mosaics of Delos


The mosaics of Delos represent a significant collection of Hellenistic Greek art, with approximately half of all surviving tessellated Greek mosaics from this period originating from the island. Their production largely ceased around 69 BC due to warfare with the Kingdom of Pontus and the resulting decline of Delos as a trading hub.

⭐ In the context of the mosaics of Delos, the decline in their production around 69 BC is most directly linked to what historical event?

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⭐ Core Definition: Mosaics of Delos

The mosaics of Delos are a significant body of ancient Greek mosaic art. Most of the surviving mosaics from Delos, Greece, an island in the Cyclades, date to the last half of the 2nd century BC and early 1st century BC, during the Hellenistic period and beginning of the Roman period of Greece. Hellenistic mosaics were no longer produced after roughly 69 BC, due to warfare with the Kingdom of Pontus and the subsequently abrupt decline of the island's population and position as a major trading center. Among Hellenistic Greek archaeological sites, Delos contains one of the highest concentrations of surviving mosaic artworks. Approximately half of all surviving tessellated Greek mosaics from the Hellenistic period come from Delos.

The paved walkways of Delos range from simple pebble or chip-pavement constructions to elaborate mosaic floors composed of tesserae. Most motifs contain simple geometric patterns, while only a handful utilize the opus tessellatum and opus vermiculatum techniques to create lucid, naturalistic, and richly colored scenes and figures. Mosaics have been found in places of worship, public buildings, and private homes, the latter usually containing either an irregular-shaped floor plan or peristyle central courtyard.

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In the context of the mosaics of Delos, the decline in their production around 69 BC is most directly linked to what historical event?
HINT: The production of mosaics on Delos abruptly declined around 69 BC due to warfare with the Kingdom of Pontus, which led to a decrease in the island’s population and its importance as a trading center.

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Mosaics of Delos in the context of Hellenization

Hellenization or Hellenification is the adoption of Greek culture, religion, language, and identity by non-Greeks. In the ancient period, colonization often led to the Hellenization of indigenous people. In the Hellenistic period, many of the territories which were conquered by Alexander the Great were Hellenized.

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Mosaics of Delos in the context of City Dionysia

The Dionysia (/ˌd.əˈnɪzi.ə, ˌd.əˈnɪʃi.ə, ˌd.əˈnɪʃə/; Greek: Διονύσια) was a large festival in ancient Athens in honor of the god Dionysus, the central events of which were processions and sacrifices in honor of Dionysus, the theatrical performances of dramatic tragedies and, from 487 BC, comedies. It was the second-most important festival after the Panathenaia. The Dionysia actually consisted of two related festivals, the Rural Dionysia and the City Dionysia, which took place in different parts of the year.

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