05-29-2013, 10:46 AM
Littlecote Villa - the 'orpheus' mosaic.
Function? Well, it's a large hall, part triconch part rectangular, probably used as a pagan cultic dining hall separate from the main villa, with its own bath suite and courtyard constructed c360. The mosaic may represent Orpheus, or Apollo 'with orphic attributes' (Toynbee, Britannia, 1981).
Unusual layout - hmm, halls like this are usually integrated with the main building, perhaps? It has a very long rectangular area outside the triconch (for lesser status diners)? Otherwise not sure!
Function? Well, it's a large hall, part triconch part rectangular, probably used as a pagan cultic dining hall separate from the main villa, with its own bath suite and courtyard constructed c360. The mosaic may represent Orpheus, or Apollo 'with orphic attributes' (Toynbee, Britannia, 1981).
Unusual layout - hmm, halls like this are usually integrated with the main building, perhaps? It has a very long rectangular area outside the triconch (for lesser status diners)? Otherwise not sure!
Nathan Ross
