Royal Purple Industry in Lod during the Late Roman Period as Reflected in the Lod Mosaic

Abstract

A mosaic discovered in luxurious Roman domus in Lod (Lydda, Diospolis) in Israel, depicted among other maritime creatures Royal Purple yielding mollusks and wicker traps used to catch them. Historical sources indicating that during Late Antiquity residents of Lod dealt in dyeing and exporting textiles (also Royal Purple) were reexamined. Clearly many city inhabitants were involved with textiles, and some of them had their hands permanently dyed. The mosaic hints that the mollusks contributed to their wealth. The problem of inland dyeing with Royal Purple was discussed, as well as the continuation of this industry in the area into the Islamic period.

Lod Mozaikleri: Lüks Roma Konağından Kentsel ve Sosyal Değişimin Katalizörüne

“…The scene describes fish, some devouring each other, a dolphins, mullets, a snapper, a barracuda, mollusks and two merchant ships sailing in opposing directions, one with its sails billowing in the wind, while the other appears to be damaged. This detailed marine scene has been the subject of much discussion among scholars who evaluated the scene from different perspectives (Avissar 2001;Haddad -Avissar 2003;Rosen 2004;Friedman 2004;Gorzalczany -Rosen 2019;Haddad 2019;Gorzalczany et al 2020). The southern carpet is subdivided into two panels, the northern one is enclosed in a double, braided motifs frame, portraying birds, perched on branches in an interwoven design, and the southern one, only partially preserved is formed by an intricate intertwining design of hexagons in which birds, fish and mythological creatures are depicted facing different directions.…”

“…7) and in the main triclinium (Avissar 1998;1999). It is evident that the person who selected the subjects portrayed in the mosaics was attracted by marine and nautical motifs, including the detailed depictions of ships (Avissar 2001;Haddad -Avissar 2003;Rosen 2004;Friedman 2004;Gorzalczany -Rosen 2019;Gorzalczany et al 2020).…”

“…The excavations at Lod were carried out in 1996, and renewed in 2009 (Avissar 1996;1998;1999;2001;Bowersock et al 2015), 2014 and 2018 (Gorzalczany 2015;2016, 20182019;forthcoming;Gorzalczany et al 2016;2020;Gorzalczany -Rosen 2018;2019: figs. 2-3), exposing a luxurious mansion (domus) with a large reception room (triclinium) (Figs.…”