Circus Mosaic from Lyon

The Circus Mosaic from Lyon is a Roman artwork made from limestone and marble that depicts chariot races with great detail and measures 4.97 meters (16 ft 4 in) long and 3.02 meters (9 ft 10 in) wide. The work shows the artistic quality and technical skill of ancient craftspeople who created such floors for wealthy households.

The mosaic dates to the second century and was discovered in 1806 during excavation work in the Ainay district of Lyon, where it lay about one meter below the ground surface. This discovery gave archaeologists important insights into the Roman settlement of the city, which was then called Lugdunum.

The mosaic depicts racing factions in different colors competing in chariot races, which formed a central form of entertainment in Roman society. These images give visitors insight into the passions and interests that shaped daily life in ancient times.

The mosaic is housed in the Lugdunum Museum in a controlled environment designed for optimal viewing of the artwork. The museum provides information materials and often offers expert explanations to help visitors better understand the details and techniques used.

The mosaic went through a complex conservation history, including temporary display in a specially built Doric temple before reaching its current position in the museum. This unusual journey made the work an example of the challenges conservators face when handling large ancient floor coverings.