Conservation of Mosaics

Abstract

Mosaics are a type of architectural surface decoration which developed in the Hellenistic and Roman periods primarily for floors but also for walls and vaults. The conservation of mosaics presents serious challenges for archaeological heritage authorities due to decades of neglect and poor decisions in the past, which favored detaching mosaic surfaces ( tessellatum ) from their context and replacing them on new supports, frequently panels of reinforced concrete. The current conservation approach is based on preserving their authenticity and context by using compatible lime mortars and grouts to stabilize them in situ, then preventing further deterioration through preventive measures including reburial. Successful in‐situ conservation depends on developing site‐wide conservation plans based on each site's resources to monitor conditions and maintain mosaics on a daily basis.

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