Another kind of mosaic used in pavement is that known as _opus Alexandrinum_. Large slabs of different coloured marbles have been used as floor pavements and as wall linings, both on the exterior and in the interior of churches and other buildings in Italy and elsewhere. Most of this work is of a geometric pattern; the different pieces of stone, marble, terra-cotta, or enamel, being cut into exact shapes to fit a preconceived pattern, form a species of inlay, and do not therefore come under the head of a true mosaic. Coloured marbles and precious stones have been used in the decoration of furniture by the Italians and French, which is known by the name of “Florentine mosaic,” or “pietra dura.” A species of mosaic work resembling enamels in appearance was executed by the Egyptians, a method in which stones and coloured pastes were cut to fit into metal shapes, as may be seen in the pectoral ornaments and diadems (see Figs. 142, 143, former volume). In the Museum of Turin there is an Egyptian sarcophagus inlaid with precious stones, but it can hardly be called true mosaic work. The Greeks were very skilful in mosaic, and were doubtless the inventors of the enamels used by themselves and by the Romans afterwards under the name of _musivum_—from whence the word mosaic is derived. The Italians called these enamels _smalto_ or smalts. Nearly all the remains of antique mosaic that have been preserved to our days have been executed in Italy or in countries that were under the Roman sway, but usually the work has been done by Greek artists or under Grecian influence. [Illustration: Fig. 286.—Roman Mosaic, from Woodchester.] Pliny mentions the name of Sosus, a Greek artist, who came to Italy to execute mosaics. To this artist is ascribed the celebrated mosaic of the doves perched on the rim of a basin—_Cantharos_—one of which is drinking from the water in the vessel. This mosaic is now in the Capitol at Rome, and came originally from the Villa of Hadrian. It is related by Pliny that Sosus made a floor in mosaic decorated with fragments of a repast, such as realistic representations of the remains of bones, vegetables, fish, a mouse gnawing at a nut, &c. Great pavements, with all kinds of animated figures, both realistic and fanciful, representing combats of animals, fighting gladiators, circus and hunting scenes, with the figures sometimes of life size, in combination with allegorical subjects, tritons, nereids, and other marine deities, were common in the antique period in Italy. [Illustration: Fig. 287.—Roman Mosaic, found at Avignon.] These great pavements were usually found enclosed in frames or borders composed of ornament, or of smaller designs of birds, fishes, and marine animals. The borders, however, are often modern work, and are generally restorations or additions. Besides being found at Rome and other places in Italy, these large Roman mosaics have been found at almost every place that was formerly a Roman province.