The Concrete Floors of Megara Hyblaea. A Sicilian Perspective

Concrete floors were not widespread in Megara Hyblaia. They were constructed in the usual technique involving broken terracotta as an aggregate, mixed with sand and lime (opus signinum or, rather, broken terracotta concretes). Limestone powder could also be used as an aggregate (limestone mortars). Some of the broken terracotta concretes were decorated with rather simple patterns of inserted tesserae. The different types of concrete floors are mainly found in the Hellenistic baths and in some houses’ rooms, generally interpreted as bathrooms or reception rooms. It seems that these floors appeared in Megara Hyblaea and in eastern Sicily in the second half of the 3rd cent. BC. Thus, it is possible to envision that their introduction in this area could be attributed to a Roman influence.