Course Readings: Web Gallery

Battle of Issus (ca. 310 BC)

Constructed around 100 BC, this mosaic was found in Pompeii, Italy. Most art historians believe it constitutes a fairly accurate copy of a mosaic made by Philoxenos of Eretria around 310 BC. Using tiny pieces of stone and glass, the mosaic represents the decisive moment during the Battle of Issus (333 BC) when Darius decided to flee the field in his chariot, causing the entire Persian army to panic and retreat.