In 79AD, Mt Vesuvius engulfed the small Roman holiday town of Pompeii in a cloud of ash.
Although tragic for the inhabitants, it meant that an entire city was preserved for us to uncover.
I had the pleasure of walking through this preserved city last year, and for today's Daily Quota, I'd like to share with you my favourite piece.
The Mosaic of Alexander the Great can be found in the House of the Faun.
It depicts the Battle of Gaugamela, where Alexander's military prowess was put to the test as he stood outnumbered five-to-one (according to the reliable primary sources) against the Persian Darius III.
The mosaic is fantastic to look at, and captures the turning point of the battle; where Alexander rides in front of his army, getting close enough to Darius III to cause a rout.
The terror can be seen on the faces of the Persian soldiers, particularly one unfortunate individual who is forced to see his own terror in the reflection of a shield.
Kind of like a reverse-Narcissus.
This is one of my favourite relics of the ancient world, and I hope everyone sees as much power in this battle depiction as I do, as much as the Romans did.
VIEW IT HERE
Although tragic for the inhabitants, it meant that an entire city was preserved for us to uncover.
I had the pleasure of walking through this preserved city last year, and for today's Daily Quota, I'd like to share with you my favourite piece.
The Mosaic of Alexander the Great can be found in the House of the Faun.
It depicts the Battle of Gaugamela, where Alexander's military prowess was put to the test as he stood outnumbered five-to-one (according to the reliable primary sources) against the Persian Darius III.
The mosaic is fantastic to look at, and captures the turning point of the battle; where Alexander rides in front of his army, getting close enough to Darius III to cause a rout.
The terror can be seen on the faces of the Persian soldiers, particularly one unfortunate individual who is forced to see his own terror in the reflection of a shield.
Kind of like a reverse-Narcissus.
This is one of my favourite relics of the ancient world, and I hope everyone sees as much power in this battle depiction as I do, as much as the Romans did.
VIEW IT HERE
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