Damnatio ad Bestias Mosaic

Illustration

Carole Raddato
by
published on 26 June 2024
Damnatio ad Bestias Mosaic Download Full Size Image

Roman mosaic depicting damnatio ad bestias where two condemned men are being thrown to the beasts. The arena is littered with spears and splashes of blood. Numerous animals can be seen, including five bears and six big cats. In the two surviving corners of the mosaic, wild felines very graphically attack two male victims. In the centre stands a trophy-decorated structure, possibly indicating that the spectacle was associated with a military victory. The mosaic dates to the beginning of the 3rd century CE.

El Jem Museum, Tunisia.

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About the Author

Carole Raddato
Carole maintains the popular ancient history photo-blog Following Hadrian, where she travels the world in the footsteps of emperor Hadrian.

Cite This Work

APA Style

Raddato, C. (2024, June 26). Damnatio ad Bestias Mosaic. World History Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://www.worldhistory.org/image/19160/damnatio-ad-bestias-mosaic/

Chicago Style

Raddato, Carole. "Damnatio ad Bestias Mosaic." World History Encyclopedia. Last modified June 26, 2024. https://www.worldhistory.org/image/19160/damnatio-ad-bestias-mosaic/.

MLA Style

Raddato, Carole. "Damnatio ad Bestias Mosaic." World History Encyclopedia. World History Encyclopedia, 26 Jun 2024. Web. 10 Oct 2024.

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