Unravelling Roman mosaic meander patterns: a simple algorithm for their generation

Abstract

A geometrical analysis of the meander decorative patterns on a Roman pavement mosaic found at the Roman villa in Chedworth, UK, is presented. The analysis reveals that the intricate swastika meander pattern consisting of four closed curves could easily have been constructed using a very simple hypothesized algorithm. The algorithm also explains the design of Roman swastika meanders found throughout the Roman Empire. Connections are indicated between these patterns and the sona traditional art of Angola as well as the kolam traditional art of Tamil South India. The analysis and algorithm described have applications to the classification of geometric mosaic patterns, the design of new patterns and the reconstruction of mosaics that have been partially destroyed by the ravages of time.

Keywords:

• Roman mosaics
• meander patterns
• sona drawings
• kolam art
• Chedworth Villa
• mirror curves
• Celtic knots

AMS Subject Classifications::

• 01A07
• 65D18
• 68U07

Acknowledgements

This research was supported by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, and by a Radcliffe Fellowship at Harvard University. The authors thank the referees for providing several references and useful suggestions.