The Romans built many beautiful mosaic labyrinths. Although Roman labyrinths look quite different from the older Cretan labyrinth design, many are actually simple extensions of the Cretan labyrinth into four square quadrants. An image of Theseus slaying the Minotaur is often seen in the central compartment.
Most Roman labyrinths were too small to have been walked, and are typically found on the floor near the entrances to houses and villas; many have small city walls (perhaps indicating the walls of Troy) drawn around them. This suggests they served a protective function, and were perhaps believed to have warded off evil influences or intruders—a common function of the labyrinth in many other cultures as well.
There are over 60 known examples of Roman mosaic labyrinths, found throughout the Roman Empire at its height—from Italy to Egypt, Syria, and England. In addition to mosaics, one curious use of the labyrinth pattern is recorded by the Roman author Pliny. He wrote that large labyrinths were inscribed on the ground and were used as a test of skill by young Roman nobles riding on horseback. This ancient Roman game may have the beginnings of the turf maze.
There are over 60 known examples of Roman mosaic labyrinths, found throughout the Roman Empire at its height—from Italy to Egypt, Syria, and England. In addition to mosaics, one curious use of the labyrinth pattern is recorded by the Roman author Pliny. He wrote that large labyrinths were inscribed on the ground and were used as a test of skill by young Roman nobles riding on horseback. This ancient Roman game may have the beginnings of the turf maze.
