Roman Country Life Mosaic C016 / 8782
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Roman Country Life Mosaic C016 / 8782
2nd century AD mosaic from the House of the Laberii at Uthina, a Roman colony in the valley of the Miliana, Tunisia. It shows the various activities of a mixed economy estate, including oxen ploughing the wheatfield (the main source of its income), a shepherd with a flock of sheep, a herdsman with goats, partridges being driven into a keep, a pole-and-bucket well with a horse drinking nearby, olive trees, dogs, horses and a mule. Hunting is also shown, including a figure spearing a wild boar. Although this part of north-west Africa was the major producer and exporter of wheat to Rome and the Roman Empire, by the end of the 1st century AD, soil exhaustion and erosion plus the increased demand from Rome for olive oil and wine, meant the producers were encouraged by the State to bring into cultivation the more marginal land on which they planted olive groves and vines
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Media ID 9244311
© SHEILA TERRY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
2nd Century Agriculture Estate Farm Farming Goats Grapes Horses Hunting Mosaic North Africa Olive Oil Olives Roman Sheep Tunisia Vines Wheat Wild Boar Mule Viticulture
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the Roman Country Life Mosaic C016 / 8782, a remarkable artifact from the 2nd century AD found in the House of the Laberii at Uthina, Tunisia. The mosaic vividly depicts the diverse activities of a mixed economy estate that thrived in this region during ancient times. The central focus of this intricate artwork is an expansive wheatfield, symbolizing the main source of income for this agricultural community. Oxen can be seen diligently ploughing the land while a shepherd tends to his flock of sheep nearby. A herdsman skillfully manages a group of goats, adding to the bustling atmosphere. A scene unfolds where partridges are being driven into a keep, showcasing how hunting was also an integral part of life on this estate. Further elements include a pole-and-bucket well with a horse quenching its thirst and olive trees dotting the landscape. The mosaic beautifully captures various animals such as dogs, horses, and even a mule amidst their daily routines. Notably, it highlights how agricultural diversification played an essential role in sustaining these communities. As demand increased for olive oil and wine from Rome and across the empire, producers were encouraged by the State to cultivate more marginal lands for olive groves and vineyards. This extraordinary piece offers us valuable insights into Roman farming practices in North Africa during this era—an era marked by both prosperity and challenges as they adapted to changing market demands while maintaining their agricultural heritage.
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