Opus Reticulatum
Opus reticulatum was a Roman masonry technique in which pyramidal shaped tuff blocks were inserted point first into the opus caementicium (concrete) of a wall. The base of the block, arranged to create a diamond shape, would then become the facing of the wall. These were placed side by side creating a close compacting of blocks that fit together. The name is derived from the Latin rete, meaning net. This referred to the net-like pattern of the exposed concrete between the blocks. Along with opus, meaning work or workmanship, it then means net-like/reticulated work. Opus reticulatum was most in fashion during the 1st century BCE and 1st century CE, particularly during the reign of Augustus.
