GEOMETRICAL MOSAIC DECORATIONS AT QASR AL-HALLABAT: A COMPARATIVE STUDY
Keywords:
Geometrical pavements, mosaic, decoration, composite motif, geometric design, Roman, Byzantine, Islam, Qasr al-Hallabat, Qusayr Amra, Mount Nebo, Madaba, Asia Minor.Abstract
The mosaic artists at Qasr al-Hallabat possessed great technical skill. Comparative study of the decorative
elements increases our understanding of the relationship between Qasr al-Castal and Byzantine sites. The
artists, whether they were Muslim or Christians, had no difficulty in using their experience of traditional
motifs, including those found in churches, to decorate the palace of the new Muslim rulers.
Qasr al-Hallabat is one of the most important structures with geometric mosaic pavements in Jordan. The
purpose of this study is to examine the individual designs in comparison with others to understand
influences from the region and beyond. Wherever possible, comparative examples have been chosen from
sites that are relatively close so that a comprehensive overview of mosaic production in the region may be
possible. Every effort has been made to discern the major sources of influence at Qasr al-Hallabat, and in
particular those coming from Asia Minor and elsewhere outside of the region.
