The earliest known examples of mosaics comes from Mesopotamia, 4,500 years ago, in a blend of pieces from shells and ivory mixed with colored stones. 1000 years later, in the same Mesopotamian area, the first glazed tiles appear. And it gradually evolved to the most sophisticated forms and materials today, yet the natural stone remains the most spectacular material. The word "mosaic" originates in the Greek word "mouseion", meaning "muse", thus explaining the original meaning of the term: the mosaic decorated the houses and temples to protect them against deities.