Auteur: Mohamed Yacoub
Ed. 1995, 2002
Dimension: 22 x 30 cm
Nombre de pages: 424 pages
Langue: Anglais

That mosaics constitute a vital part of archaeology in Tunisia and that eminent historians and distinguished scholars have even claimed that this country is the most richly endowed with Roman and Byzantine mosaics may indeed sound surprising, but it is nevertheless absolutely true". This statement, made by the eminent historian Hassan Hosni Abdelwahab over thirty years ago, has been confirmed by the many discoveries made since. It is generally agreed today that Tunisia possesses the largest collection of mosaics in the world. And I myself know, from experience, that this collection will grow and diversify in time. For, having been for many years responsible for the department of culture in this country, I have had the privilege to share the repeated wonderment of our researchers in the Institute of Archaeology, who were rewarded for their zeal each time important mosaics emerged from the seemingly inexhaustible ground to further enrich an already substantial treasure. The Afirican School of mosaicis was undoubtedly one of the most productive and most inventive all those existing under the Roman Empire. Specialists agree that it was able to create a distinctive repertoire, rich and lively, influent even, through the originality of its idiom, its decorative imagination and the splendid range of colours provided by the infinite variety of local marbles. It produced thousands of works, some of which are nothing less than true masterpieces.