Mosaics are designs or pictures created by embedding small pieces of glass, stone, terracotta etc. into a bed of cement or other form of fixative. This form of  decoration is often used for panels or on  floors, but is especially effective on curved surfaces, such as ceilings and vaults. Mosaics are found both indoors and outdoors.  

The art of mosaic, in one form or another, has been practised for thousands of years, but mosaic as we know it was invented by the Greeks, who then passed their skills on to the Romans. Many ancient mosaics have survived the ravages of time remarkably well.

The Romans in due course became the Byzantines, who are renowned for their superb wall and vault mosaics. Byzantium fell in the 15th century AD, and mosaic went into a decline until the great revival in the 19th century, a revival which has continued to this day.

Modern developments in materials and techniques are evidence that mosaic is very much alive as we approach the Millenium. Computers are of course ideal for designing contemporary mosaics, and are increasingly used for that purpose.