Mosaic art is one of the oldest known forms of decorative art, with a rich and diverse history that spans across civilizations and centuries. The term “mosaic” refers to images or patterns created by assembling small pieces of materials such as stone, glass, ceramics, or shells, called tesserae.

The earliest known mosaics were found in Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq), dating back to around 3000 BCE. These early mosaics were mostly decorative patterns made from pebbles and small stones. Unlike later mosaic works, they were more about texture and symmetry than imagery.

The art form significantly advanced in Ancient Greece around the 5th century BCE. Greek mosaics introduced the use of pebbles arranged to create recognizable figures, animals, and scenes from mythology. By the 3rd century BCE, Greek artists began using cut stone and colored tesserae, allowing for more detailed and complex images. These mosaics adorned floors in wealthy homes and public spaces, especially in cities like Delphi and Pella.

The Roman Empire (1st century BCE to 5th century CE) greatly expanded and refined mosaic art. Romans used mosaics widely in both private villas and public buildings. Roman mosaics were often used for storytelling, with themes ranging from mythology and nature to daily life. They were typically created on floors, but also appeared on walls and ceilings. Famous Roman mosaics can still be seen today in places like Pompeii and Herculaneum, where vibrant designs have been preserved under volcanic ash.

The fall of the Western Roman Empire did not end mosaic art. Instead, it transitioned into a new era with the rise of the Byzantine Empire. From the 4th to the 15th century, Byzantine mosaics reached extraordinary artistic and spiritual heights. These mosaics, commonly found in churches and cathedrals, used brightly colored glass tesserae, often backed with gold or silver, to reflect light and create a glowing, heavenly effect. Iconic examples include the mosaics in Hagia Sophia (Istanbul) and Ravenna (Italy). Byzantine mosaics emphasized religious figures such as Christ, the Virgin Mary, and the saints, portrayed with solemn expressions and symbolic gestures.