Vintage Pompeii Ocean Life Mosaic - Roman Sea Critters Art Print

This Roman mosaic from Pompeii turns the Mediterranean into a local fish tank. You can spot octopuses tussling with fish, stingrays gliding past crabs, and what looks like an ancient sea drama unfolding in tiny tiles. The artist must have spent plenty of time watching real marine life, not just guessing from the shore. Every critter has its own character. That big octopus front and centre grabs your attention like it’s the boss of the joint, while smaller fish flit around the edges. The workmanship is stunning – thousands of tiny stones pieced together to create this underwater scene that’s survived volcanic ash and centuries of being forgotten. We’ve recreated every detail so you can get a real sense of the Romans’ amazing knack for bringing life to stone.