Quick Facts
- Related Topics:
- mosaic
Adding us as a Preferred Source tells Google you trust our content, so our articles show up more often in your Google Search, Discover feed, and AI Overviews.
verifiedCite
While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies.
Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions.
Select Citation Style
opus Alexandrinum
Opus Alexandrinum screen, Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano, Rome.
opus alexandrinum
mosaic
Also known as: Alexandrinum opus
opus alexandrinum, in mosaic, type of decorative pavement work widely used in Byzantium in the 9th century. It utilized tiny, geometrically shaped pieces of coloured stone and glass paste that were arranged in intricate geometric patterns dotted with large disks of semiprecious stones.
Cathedral of San Cesareo in TerracinaOpus alexandrinum floor in Cosmati style in the central nave of the Cathedral of San Cesareo in Terracina, Italy.
The technique was first introduced to southern Italy in 1071 at Montecassino. In the 12th century several variations of opus alexandrinum evolved at local centres in Italy, including the well-known Cosmati work of Rome.
This article was most recently revised and updated by Kathleen Sheetz.
Discover how ordinary objects work, and expand your understanding of the familiar.
" height="20" alt="HEW Logo">
By clicking "Sign Up", you consent to the Britannica Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.