Ancient skeleton mosaic entreats us to enjoy life
A 2,400-year-old mosaic featuring a reclining skeleton entreats viewers, originally in the dining room of a wealthy Graeco-Roman home near the Turkish-Syrian border, to “be cheerful, enjoy your life.” Skeleton motifs were popular in the ancient world, and one was also found in the ruins of Pompeii.
It’s unlikely that the ancient people who commissioned this piece of art found it frightening. Perhaps it served as an entertaining, though also sobering, memento mori, reminding them that life is short?
Learn more about this ancient skeleton-themed mosaic (Science Alert)
Photo: Science Alert / Andalou Agency
