This mosaic floor housed at the Archaeological Museum of Olympia, originated from the Hellenic period, specifically the 3rd century AD. Comprising of naturally colored pebbles, the mosaic measures over 12 square meters. It features various depictions of ancient Greek games, providing valuable insights into leisure activities and children's games of the era.
The floor mosaic is composed of a series of panels, each featuring a different game. One such panel illustrates a child engrossed in an ancient Greek game, astragalos, akin to contemporary knucklebones or jacks. Another image features children interacting with a hoop - a prevalent game during the period. Incorporated into the mosaic is the Greek lettering "ΕΥΑΙ," an invocation for good fortune, suggestive of the competitive aspect of these games.
The primary artifact in this mosaic is the sophisticated rendering of a seven-sided board game. Thought to be an ancestor of the modern 'Game of Goose', this central panel is surrounded by six additional segments - each render an individual Greek game. Each design within the pieces utilizes intricate geometric details and motifs.
Life-like representation of characters within this mosaic is achieved through detailed portrayal of clothing, facial expressions, and body language. Contrasting against the darker background, individual figures are highlighted through the use of white pebbles - creating a vivid representation of an ancient Grecian playground. Selective use of red pebbles infuses subtle vibrance into these monochrome figures.
