Scenes from Paradise: Jewish Roman Mosaics from Tunisia

By K. Kris Hirst, About.com Guide

Image 05.14. Mosaic of Date Palm Tree, from the Right end of lower center, pavement of main sanctuary, Synagogue of Hammam Lif. 3rd century-5th century A.D. Unknown Roman artist; found in Tunis, Tunisia. Upright oblong panel, date palm. Terracotta, glazed. 31 x 70 9/16 in. (78.8 x 179.3 cm). Museum Collection Fund, Brooklyn Museum

This photo essay is from the 2006 exhibit at the Brooklyn Museum, which included a collection of Roman mosaics recovered from the 3rd century AD Jewish synagogue at Naro, Tunisia. The mosaics, showing natural, religious and personal images, exemplify a little-known way of life, that of wealthy Jewish citizens of the late Roman empire in Africa.

• Tree of Paradise at the Brooklyn Museum
• Carthage