The patterns depict birds, fish, animals and plants, in addition to providing detailed images of Roman ships. However, the mosaic also noticeable features like, rhinoceroses and giraffes, which were not common in ancient art. Mythical beings are also portrayed. Nothing is written on the mosaic; inscriptions are common in Roman-era mosaics from public buildings, so it is assumed that the mosaic was most likely part of a private villa.
