Puzzling Over History: A Study of Late Antique Cyprus through Mosaic Art

This research paper focuses on the mosaic art found in Cyprus that was created during the period of Late Antiquity, which for the purposes of my paper is defined as the 2nd to 6th century A.D. In the study of Cypriot history, mosaics are not simple pieces of art, but invaluable historical evidence that demonstrates the shift in societal values in the transition between two drastically different eras on the island, pagan and Christian. During Late Antiquity the ideals of society moved from pagan emphasis on outward action to inner contemplation and theological meditation. Coinciding with the advent of Christianity in the Roman Empire, earthquakes shook Cyprus in the mid 4th century. The styles in which the inhabitants chose to repair and rebuild these mosaics are of particular interest and reflect deep cultural and societal changes. Through the study of mosaics, scholars can better understand the complex relationship between pagan and Christian groups and learn more about their interactions in a larger contex