This important book puts forward a new interpretation of Roman decorative art, focusing on the function of decoration in the social context. It examines the three principal areas of social display and conspicuous consumption in the Roman world: social space, entertainment, and dress, and discusses the significance of the decoration of objects and interiors within these contexts, drawing on examples from the early Imperial period to Late Antiquity, including mosaics and other interior décor, silver plate, glass and pottery vessels, and jewellery and other dress accessories. Swift demonstrates the importance of decoration in creating and maintaining social networks and identities and fostering appropriate social behaviour, and its role in perpetuating social convention and social norms.

Ellen Swift is Lecturer in Archaeology at the University of Kent, UK

Contents: Preface; Introduction; Interiors: non-figurative floor mosaics and other domestic decoration; Vessels: articles for dining and toiletry; Dress: Jewellery and accessories; Conclusion; Bibliography; Index.