Hippocampus Mosaic

Yup, another picture from my trip to Bath a few months ago. We’re actually coming to the end of this particular series of shots; not many left now. This is the last one from the Roman bath house at any rate.

As you can see, this is one of the mosaic’s that once would have covered the entire complex. Sadly, this is one of the few that remains. All of the rest have been destroyed. Even this one is not in great condition (you may be able to see missing areas around the edges) but at least something has survived. I always find it fascinating seeing these. They are so wonderfully detailed and you really get a sense of the human element behind them I think.

It depicts a Hippocampus (or Hippocamp if you like) a creature with the head and fore-parts of a horse and the serpentine tail of a fish, which is precocity found in Greek mythology. The god of the sea, Poseidon, was said to ride it across the surface of the water, as the writer Homer described it. The Roman version was essentially the same but instead of riding it the Roman god of the sea, Neptune, rode in the sea-chariot that was pulled they these guys along the surface. It was basically a giant sea horse as we would understand it. There is more info here if you're interested (there are some interesting pictures too so check it out!).

Enough talk! Any comments and alike would be greatly appreciated! Cheers!

Oh yes, and please forgive the uninspired title. I just can think of any decent ones at the moment!