Conservation and Presentation of Mosaics and Other Pavements
Mosaics from the Villa of Theseus, like the Houses of Aion (above), exemplify the rich mythological narratives and artistic values of these decorative floors.
The site of Nea Paphos embodies many values; however, the site's highest significance lies in the mosaic pavements that have survived nearly two thousand years to delight, inspire, and educate us today.
Mosaics at the site are well cared for, but many were previously detached and re-laid on modern mortar beddings. This practice, commonly employed in the past throughout the Mediterranean region, has diminished aspects of the mosaics' authenticity and significance.
The work to conserve and present mosaics and other pavements includes:
- enhanced conservation and reburial methods
- a comprehensive, sitewide survey and inventory
- documentation
- monitoring and maintenance practices
- presentation and interpretation
Mosaic documentation and conservation is closely linked with other components of the project, such as mapping, sheltering, and visitor management.
2022 Updates
After a two-year absence due to the pandemic, fieldwork resumed at Nea Paphos in June 2022.
In-depth discussions were held with the Department of Antiquities (DoA) about the project’s status, with a focus on the draft assessment report that forms part of the site’s conservation and management plan. Following the project’s assessment phase, plans are being developed in four areas: documentation, site management, conservation, and the visitor context. This work was advanced in June, especially in planning for visitor management and site interpretation.
Documentation included additional photogrammetry to produce images of mosaics and other pavements that would otherwise be difficult to photograph overall. Sheltered mosaics pose special challenges because of inconsistent daytime lighting. With assistance from a local photographer, these challenges were addressed by undertaking photogrammetric capture at night with artificial illumination. Eighteen interior mosaics and more than forty additional exterior mosaics and other pavements were documented.
Conservation-planning documentation of over a hundred mosaics and other pavements at the site (assessed in 2018 and 2019) was provided to the Department of Antiquities. The documentation included survey forms used to assess the condition, significance, and degree of exposure of each pavement, and to provide a calculation of priority for conservation. This data was accompanied by GIS-generated thematic maps as a graphic aid to planning future conservation interventions.