Roman Mosaics Roman mosaics were built using small colored squares cut from materials such as marble, tile, and glass. These squares ranged from 0.5 to 1.5 centimeters in width. A base of fresh mortar was prepared, and squares were then arranged in the desired design. Another layer of mortar was added, then it would be cleaned and polished. Byzantine Mosaics Byzantine mosaics were built from small colorful chips of glass. They used this for a glittery, slightly translucent look. They often depicted religious figures and were found in holy sites. Islamic Mosaics Islamic mosaics usually depicted patterns and shapes that has religious meanings. According to them, the "repetition of many evokes the nature of God." Pieces of glass are sliced off long canes of glass, then arranged into patterns and designs.
