Pet names found on Roman mosaic in Turkey

[guy]

 

A mosaic with the names of the pets has been found in a villa in Turkey. It dates from the 2nd-3rd centuries AD.

 

 

Below is an article about the discovery of an exceptionally well‑preserved Roman villa in ancient Adramytteion, now Burhaniye, on the Aegean coast of Türkiye.

Excavations uncovered a mosaic floor in the villa’s northern hall. The mosaic contains fifteen figurative panels depicting birds, fish, mythological creatures, and—most strikingly—a cat and a dog, both named. The cat’s name is interpreted as “Smeraldo,” while the dog is labeled “Okyanos,” meaning “Ocean.” This offers a wonderful glimpse into the personal world of the villa’s owners.

 

The villa, dating back to the second and third centuries AD, likely belonged to a wealthy family. It was constructed around a central atrium and featured colorful mosaics, frescoes, and an advanced water system. Some artwork, such as Medusa and pygmy figures, indicates links to North African mosaic traditions, while the winged horse symbol reflects local civic pride, as shown on regional coins. The residence remained in use and was modified into late antiquity, with later rooms decorated in both geometric and figurative styles.

 

 

https://arkeonews.net/1800-year-old-roman-villa-mosaic-discovered-in-turkiye-preserves-the-names-of-a-cat-and-dog/#google_vignette

Edited 15 hours ago by guy

[guidoLaMoto]

Many dozens, if not hundreds of examples of mosaic floors and tombstone epitaphs commemorating dogs in ancient Rome.

https://duckduckgo.com/?q=latin+epitsphs+pets&ia=images&iax=images

https://www.birdsadvice.com/ancient-roman-dog-epitaphs/

Then again, there was the annual ritual of Supplicium Canum where dogs were crucified, while geese were honored, in commemoration of the saving of the besieged Capitoline by geese sounding the warning after the guard dogs had fallen asleep. https://www.amusingplanet.com/2021/09/why-romans-punished-dogs-and-honored.html

(This last article is another example of modern historical accounts embellishing the actual ancient reference. Livy tells the story in about 15 lines.)