Located in Antioch, Turkey

Ca. 3rd Century BCE

Discovered 2012

This mosaic was found in the Hellenistic city of Antioch, which is located in modern-day Turkey near the Orontes River. It depicts a skeleton reclining on a lectus with a goblet in its hand, and some sort of amphora and bread nearby. The inscription was initially thought to mean “Be cheerful, enjoy your life”, but when the other two parts of the mosaic were unveiled, archaeologists and researchers began to wonder whether the meaning was more sinister than that. Some interpretations include “You get the pleasure of the food you eat hastily with death” and “Only the dead are happy”. However, it may remain unclear what the actual meaning is because the third portion of the mosaic was unsalvageable.

Located in Pompeii, Italy

Ca. 1st Century

Discovered Post- 17th Century CE

This mosaic, which was the centerpiece of the floor of a formal dining room in the House of the Vestals in Pompeii, shows a skeleton holding two pitchers. It is one of the many examples of the Roman sentiment Memento mori - “Remember you must die” or “Remember death”, which in turn reminded Romans to Carpe diem, or “Seize the day”.

Located in Aldborough, UK

Ca. 3rd - 4th Century CE

Discovered 1840s

While this mosaic may be rather unsettling to look at, it showcases the legendary founder of Rome, Romulus, and his brother Remus, with the she-wolf who raised them from infancy. They are under a small tree, and the image is bordered by colored diamonds. The mosaic can be found in the Leeds City Museum Today.

Located in Rome, Italy

Ca. 1st Century CE

Discovered 1st Century CE

This mosaic depicts a skeleton reclining near what may be a scythe. The inscription underneath it reads GNOTHI SEAUTON - “know thyself”. It is currently at the Baths of Diocletian Museum in Italy. Other versions of the mosaic, including a sketch of it from 1883, can be found here.

Located in Herculaneum, Italy

Ca. 1st Century CE

Discovered 1982

Though not a mosaic, this skeleton is still a fascinating find. She was a Roman woman approximately 45 years of age who passed away in the 79 AD eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Her ruby and emerald rings remained intact and shiny on her left hand when she was excavated in the 1980s. Two golden bracelets and earrings were found nearby.