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3rd Century Skeleton Mosaics Unearthed That Read: “Be Cheerful And Live Your Life”
A remarkably well preserved mosaic has recently been unearthed by Turkey Archaeologists in the ruins of a 3rd century construct in Hatay province on the Turkish-Syrian border, where the ancient Greek-Roman city of Antiocheia had once thrived. The art piece is believed to have been the centerpiece of a mosaic floor in what was likely the triclinium (dining room) of an elegant villa.
The mosaic depicts three scenes, the first being a skeleton lying down, leisurely sipping on a drink with the motto “Be cheerful and live your life” written on either side of his head. The middle scene depicts a lavish young man, likely the descendant of the home’s owner, reaching toward a sundial on sun column with what appears to be a servant behind him; the sundial reads between the times of 9:00 and 10:00 pm, the text indicating that he is late for dinner. A large portion of the third scene is missing, but we are able to see the head and arms of a person wielding a flame, believed to indicate the warming of a bath.
These are not the only skeletal mosaics that have been dated to around this time. The two mosaics below were unearthed in ancient Pompeian villas, the first depicting a skeleton holding a pitcher in either hand, likely indicating a passion to party. The second depicts what appears to be a reclining corpse and is believed to read “know they self, or else.”
Philosophers stone – selected views from the boat http://philosophers-stone.co.uk
Source: http://www.phoenixisrisen.co.uk/?p=10017
