Polish Archaeology in the Mediterranean (16.2004(2005))

ALEXANDRIA

EGYPT

face.12 In view of its size (3-90 x 1.90 m),
the mosaic could not be removed in one
piece. It was decided to cut it into two smal-
ler sections, positioning the cutting lines to
follow basic pattern designs.
Standard conservation procedures were
applied during the operation.13 To facilitate
the process, two rows of tesserae were re-
moved along the dividing line. The surface
of each section was cleaned and then rinsed
with 5% ammonia water and acetone. The
surface was then fixed with two layers of
cotton gauze and reinforced with canvas, all
soaked in PVA. Both sections were then

carefully detached from the bedding and
gradually rolled onto a specially prepared
wooden drum (c. 0.60 m in diameter)
[Fig. 10}. The mosaic was then transferred
to an on-site field laboratory where conser-
vation treatment was continued. Remains of
the bedding adhering to the underside were
removed and the back of the mosaic was
impregnated with a 7% solution of PRIMAL
AC-33.
The mosaic was stored at the site
storerooms. It is to be displayed eventually
as part of a newly prepared exhibition in the
Greco-Roman Museum.

12 For a detailed description of the mosaic, see G. Majcherek, "Mosaic floors from Roman triclinia in Alexandria.
Evolution of technique and design", in: Z. Hawass (ed.), Egyptology at the Dawn of the Twenty-first Century,
Proceedings of the Eighth International Congress of Egyptologists (Cairo 2000), 319-327.
13 Cf. J. Lis, "Mosaic conservation at Kom el-Dikka in Alexandria in 2002", PAM XV, Reports 2003 (2004), 39-42. The
work was carried out by J. Lis assisted by W. Kuczewski.

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