Mosaic -- the art of producing surface design with inlaid pieces of stone, glass or tile (collectively called tesserae) -- has been practiced since before the Romans. Glass mosaic was common in early Christian basilicas, and the craft reached a pinnacle in 6th century Byzantium (Constantinople), most notably represented by the interior mosaics in the Hagia Sophia. A revival in 11th century Italy produced such famous mosaics as those in Venice’s Basilica San Marco. The advent of fresco decoration largely replaced mosaic, although a 19th century Gothic revival produced a new wave of interest, with results such as the mosaics in Westminster Abbey. Mosaic is a longstanding tradition in Mexico, where it dates back to pre-Columbian times.
