Talk:Opus signinum

Latest comment: 17 years ago by Salvianus in topic more inclusive definition

4th century edit

The Roman villa of Carranque has parts with opus signinum and is from the Theodosian era. --Error 01:36, 17 September 2006 (UTC)Reply

more inclusive definition edit

I appreciate that 'Opus signinum' may mean a pavement style in art terms, but isn't it originally the name of the type of concrete used in such floors? This material, made with sand, lime and, originally, had a type of a pinkish orange kaolin clay from Signia in Latium added, later crushed terracotta bricks/tiles as a substitute. It was used in a wide variety of other structures, especially in Britain, where Opus caementicium was rare, due to the difficulties of sourcing the necessary Pozzolona volcanic ash. We could add this information.

Could the article also use links to other types of finish? For example,

Opus reticulatum: - shaped blocks of tufa set in opus caementicium, looking like a diagonal net.

Opus testaceum (opus latericum) - bricks in opus caementicium.

Opus incertum: - irregularly shaped stones in opus caementicium.

Opus spicatum: - a type of paving made from small bricks laid in a zigzag pattern like a parquet floor.

Opus sectile: - a type of mosaic using cut, polished stone or glass pieces.

What do you think? Salvianus 20:44, 10 January 2007 (UTC)Reply