Includes bibliographical references (p. [297]-308) and index.

Preliminary Material / R. Hachlili -- Introduction / R. Hachlili -- Chapter One. Mosaic pavements adorning buildings in the Hellenistic–early Roman Period / R. Hachlili -- Chapter Two. The jewish symbols panel / R. Hachlili -- The jewish symbols panel / R. Hachlili -- Chapter Three. The zodiac panel and its significance / R. Hachlili -- Chapter Four. Biblical narrative themes and images: Representation, origin, and meaning / R. Hachlili -- Chapter Five. Iconographic elements of nilotic scenes on byzantine mosaics pavements / R. Hachlili -- Chapter Six. The ‘Inhabited Scrolls’ mosaic pavements— A sixth-century trend / R. Hachlili -- Chapter Seven. Iconographic aspects of rural life / R. Hachlili -- Chapter Eight. Personification of natural forces / R. Hachlili -- Chapter Nine. Designs of symmetrical antithetic animals / R. Hachlili -- Chapter Ten. Iconoclasm on mosaic pavements of synagogues and churches / R. Hachlili -- Chapter Eleven. Between synagogue and church / R. Hachlili -- Chapter Twelve. Mosaicists, workshops, and the repertory / R. Hachlili -- Chapter Thirteen. Concluding remarks, comments, and observations / R. Hachlili -- List OF SITEs / R. Hachlili -- Glossary / R. Hachlili -- Abbreviations / R. Hachlili -- Bibliography / R. Hachlili -- Index / R. Hachlili.

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This publication is engaged in issues, trends, and themes depicted on mosaic pavements discovered in Israel, the Gaza Strip and Petra (the provinces of ancient Palaestina Prima, Secunda and Tertia) with comparable floors in Jordan (Arabia). The majority of the mosaic pavements discussed in this study are dated to the 4th-8th centuries CE. Mosaic pavements were the normal medium for decorating the floors of synagogues, churches, monasteries, and chapels, as well as public and private buildings. Inscriptions found on many of the pavements commemorate the donors, refer to the artists, and sometimes date the mosaics. The ornamentation of the mosaics in this region is remarkable, rich, and varied in its themes and provides many insights into the contemporary artistic and social cultures.