A Late Roman Polychrome Stone Mosaic Circa 3rd-4th Century A.D. Height 114 x width 114 inches. Provenance: Private Collection, UK, 1950's. (Accompanied by a United Kingdom Export License) Note: Public games were a major part of Roman culture, playing an important role in the social and political life of the city and its empire. The games involved animals on a massive scale. Exotic wild animals were paraded before the public not just for the sheer spectacle but also to play an active role in staged hunts called venationes. However, not all animals went straight to the games. Since the acquisition of exotic creatures was very expensive, they would often be sent to menageries or zoological gardens around Rome to be tamed and trained for public entertainment. Scenes of these animals were a favorite subject for artistic expression, especially on large mosaic floors such as the one seen here. Ships from New York, NY.