Nile mosaic of Palestrina

History

The mosaic may be referenced in Pliny's Natural History. It and the Fish Mosaic were still visible in situ in the 15th century. Around 1507, Antonio Volsco noted them among the ruins of Sulla's sanctuary of Fortuna Primigenia, describing them as arranged in the pattern of a picture. Maurizio Calvesi linked passages in Hypnerotomachia Poliphili to direct experience of the mosaics.

At that time, the Colonna family owned the town, and their palazzo occupied part of the ruins. In 1614, Federico Cesi examined the mosaic, sprinkling water to enliven its colors, and had Cassiano Dai Pozzo reproduce it in eighteen plates.

About a decade later, Cardinal Andrea Peretti purchased the mosaic, had it detached, divided into square fragments, and moved to Rome. During transport, the mosaic suffered damage and was restored again using Dai Pozzo's plates. It was eventually placed in a room of the baronial palace in Palestrina.

Description

The mosaic has an arch-headed frame, indicating it originally floored an apse in a grotto. It shows Ptolemaic Greeks, Aethiopians in hunting scenes, and various Nile animals. It is the earliest Roman depiction of Nilotic scenes, with several more found at Pompeii.

Dating and interpretation vary; Paul G. P. Meyboom suggests a date shortly before Sulla's reign, around 100 BC, and links it to the spread of Egyptian cults in Italy. Claire Préaux emphasizes the escapist nature of the scenery. Other proposals include representing Octavian's conquest of Egypt, a Hadrianic journey, or Alexander the Great's homage to the temple of Ammon.