Dionysian-themed African mosaics: some reflections

Abstract

The African provinces, maybe more than other regions of the Empire, are known to have delivered pavements characterized by a Dionysiac theme (Dionysos, satyrs, bacchantes, other members of his thiasos, Dionysiac emblems such ad vines, masks, etc.). The meaning to be related to those mosaics is very debated, in particular whether to consider them as reliable sources or not to define the traits of the African Dionysism. To resolve the issue, it is necessary to study the mosaics in their own context. This contribution intends to analyse, as an example, the oecus mosaic from the ‘House of Silenus’ at El Jem-Thysdrus, aiming to clarify if it could be intended in a symbolic interpretation (i.e. the scene allude to certain aspects of the Dionysiac mysteries) as it is traditionally proposed.