Opus Incertum is characterized by which feature?

Opus Incertum is characterized by which feature?

• A. Small stones laid in a loose polygonal pattern
• B. Rectangular blocks in a precise grid
• C. Brick courses set in vertical alignment
• D. Marble facing with regular joints

Answer: (A)

Opus incertum uses irregularly sized stones set in mortar, creating a rough, uneven surface. The defining feature is the loose polygonal arrangement of those small stones rather than any symmetric, grid-like pattern. That’s exactly what the description captures: small stones laid in a loose polygonal pattern. The other options describe more orderly techniques—the use of rectangular blocks in a precise grid, brick courses in regular alignments, or marble facing with neat joints—none of which match the rough, rubble character of opus incertum.

Opus incertum uses irregularly sized stones set in mortar, creating a rough, uneven surface. The defining feature is the loose polygonal arrangement of those small stones rather than any symmetric, grid-like pattern. That’s exactly what the description captures: small stones laid in a loose polygonal pattern. The other options describe more orderly techniques—the use of rectangular blocks in a precise grid, brick courses in regular alignments, or marble facing with neat joints—none of which match the rough, rubble character of opus incertum.