Shaped by History
A tessellation is a pattern of one or more two-dimensional shapes that fit together with no gaps or overlaps. The word tessellation comes from the Latin tessella, which was a small stone or tile used in Roman mosaics. However, tessellations date back thousands of years to the time of the Sumerians (4000 B.C.). The early Sumerians constructed their tessellations out of clay and used them to decorate homes and temples. These tessellations eventually became part of the structure of their architecture.
Since that time, tessellations have spread to many cultures including Egyptian, Arabian, Indian, Chinese, Roman, and Greek. To view examples of various cultural tessellations, check out these links. Feel free to add any further links of examples you may find during your exploration.
Egyptian Tilings and Patterns
Patterns from the Alhambra
Chinese Patterns
Greek Tilings
Note the repeating pattern on this wall of the Alhambra Palace in Granada, Spain. This was a common decorative detail in Moorish architecture.
Shaping Your Own Tessellations
References:
Introduction to Tessellations
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