Spain

The ancient Complutum mosaics are celebrated relics of the Roman Empire located in Alcalá de Henares, Spain. The most famous is the House of Hippolytus Fishing Mosaic, a stunning underwater scene signed by an ancient master, which served as a youth center and elite school. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

The House of Hippolytus Mosaics

The Casa de Hippolytus is a unique archaeological site, widely known as one of the few known "Youth Colleges" (schools for aristocratic teens) of ancient Hispania. [1, 2, 3]

• The Fishing Mosaic: Located in the main hall, this colorful masterpiece depicts a vibrant sea scene full of fish and marine life.

• The Signature: The mosaic is famously "signed" by the master mosaic artist Hippolytus—who was also the schoolmaster and likely of North African origin—for one of Complutum's most important families. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

The House of Bacchus Mosaics

Another major site within ancient Complutum is the House of Bacchus (Casa de Bacchus), which contains breathtakingly detailed 5th-century floors. [1]

• The God Bacchus: This large floor mosaic shows the Roman god of wine, Bacchus, leaning on a satyr.

• The Scene: It is flanked by figures of leopards facing a krater (a large ancient vessel used to dilute and serve wine).

Today, these historical sites are preserved and open to visitors in Alcalá de Henares, which is located just outside of Madrid.