Supporting Image for the Vestibule of Pan and Eros in the Villa Romana del Casale. This photo shows a part of the 3000 square foot mosaic floor of the Villa Romana del Casale, and a part of the restoration project. This gives a little bit of an idea of how big the floor space was and how large the mosaic images really are. This particular hallway or ambulatory separates the peristyle from the Basilica and the private quarters of the owners. The artwork depicts the Big Game Hunt; capturing exotic animals and transporting them to the closest port to make their way to the final destination of Rome and its arenas. Capturing animals was a team effort, and was very dangerous – any mistake could result in death or serious injury. The animals were kept in crates then loaded onto big chariots pulled by bulls. The Ambulatory mosaics also show Roman Imperialism and its authority over surrounding lands, from North-Africa and Egypt and India.
