My name is Nadia Williamson, I am from Cirencester Kingshill School and am currently visiting the museum as work experience.
My favourite artefact at the Museum is probably the Hunting Dogs Mosaic, which dates from the second century AD. It was originally composed of aquatic imagery however was later remodelled, possibly due to the collapse of part of the floor and now includes the hunting dogs and other unrelated patterns.
Hunting Dogs Mosaic
In 1849, the mosaic was discovered under Dyer Street along with the Seasons mosaic, inspiring the creation of the first museum. In the centre, three dogs focus in on their prey, the largest dog wears a collar and two smaller dogs stand beside him. It is difficult to tell what animal they are hunting as this part of the mosaic is incomplete and has been patched with plain tesserae.
Sea Creature
The semicircles on either side contain a mythical marine creature – a sea-leopard and a winged sea-griffin – chasing a dolphin.
Medusa
In one of the corner compartments, a detailed representation of Medusa can be seen. Snakes with red crests and tongues come out from her hair and two are knotted neatly beneath her chin. Medusa was often in mosaic floors as it was believed that anyone who saw her head would be turned to stone, therefore she ensured that any evil entering the home was rendered harmless.
The God of the Sea
