Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The mosaic of the Tilleuls, known as the marine god, was discovered in the 1950s in Aix-en-Provence, on the Traverse de la Molle site. Dated from the third century, it belongs to the Lower Roman Empire and is distinguished by its composition in tesses mainly white and black, embellished with dark blue glass in the hair of a divine character. From the moment she was discovered, she was taken to the Musée du Vieil-Aix, set up in the hotel of Estienne-de-Saint-Jean, where she was inventoried and studied despite sometimes precarious conservation conditions (floods in cellars).

Classified as a historical monument by decree of 3 February 1930, the mosaic was the subject of a preliminary study revealing a generally satisfactory state of conservation. His iconography, centered on a marine figure, suggests a link with ancient cults or mythologies. After decades at the Musée du Vieil-Aix, it was transferred to the Municipal Archaeological Depot pending future restoration. Its history reflects the challenges of preserving ancient heritage in urban areas.

The technical description highlights the use of the opus tessellatum, a characteristic Roman technique, with tesseles of varying size. The head of the "marine god", a central element, motivated his common name. Although fragmented for its transport, the mosaic was documented by a complete schema before its move. Today, it remains a major testimony of the Aixese craftsmanship under Roman rule, accessible through the resources of the town hall and heritage bases like Merimée.

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