Mosaic Art: A Short History
Mosaics started some 4,000 years ago with terrcotta cones pushed into a background for decoration. During the 1920s, excavation of Olynthus shows us that during the 4th century, upper class Greeks had mosaic floors, many of which were elaborate pictures. Natural pebbles were used with black for the background and white for the figures. Mosaic art did not come from one particular place and time. It appeared at different times and at different locations. During the latter part of the 4th century, Christian basilicas contained walls and ceilings that were embellished with mosaic art.
The Romans became interested in mosaic art during the 5th century. Mosaic 
art began to appear in the city of Ravenna and became known as the “Capital of mosaics”. The Byzantine Empire developed new ways of using mosaics. “Smalti,” which are pieces of glass began to be used. Walls, ceilings, and floors were decorated in mosacis. During the 12th and 13th centuries, artists were creating religious pieces of art in Rome.
Even during the Middle Ages, mosaic art was being used in creating beautiful scenes inside churches, the best which can be seen in Venice and Sicily. Jerusalem’s many synagogues were decorated with mosaics.
From one civilization to another, mosaic art changed from the pieces used to the purpose it performed. For example, in some places mosaics served to protect walls and floors from wind and water. Mosaics began from clay stones to colored rocks to smalti. Today mosaics are made from a variety of materials and the imaginations of the artist.
