Meyboom P.G.P. The Nile Mosaic of Palestrina: Early Evidence of Egyptian Religion in Italy

Brill Academic Publishers, 1997. — 504 p. — (Religions in the Graeco-Roman World 121 ).The famous Nile Mosaic of Palestrina, ancient Praeneste in central Italy, dating to c. 100 B.C., is one of the earliest large mosaics which have been preserved from the classical world. It presents a unique, comprehensive picture of Egypt and Nubia. The interpretation of the mosaic is disputed, suggestions ranging from an exotic decoration to a topographical picture or a religious allegory. The present study demonstrates that the mosaic depicts rituals connected with Isis and Osiris and the yearly Nile flood. The presence of these Egyptian religious scenes at Praeneste can be explained by the assimilation of isis and Fortuna, the tutelary goddess of Praeneste, and by the interpretation of the mosaic as a symbol of divine providence.The reconstruction of the original mosaic
The original location and the date of the mosaicDescriptionInterpretation
The function of the Nile Mosaic
The workshop
The cultural backgroundAppendices