Tiles have long been a beautiful and functional addition to the walls, roofs and floors of buildings the world over. Many nations have contributed to the manufacture, design and export of these often beautiful items. This article looks at some of the top national contributors towards the usage of tiles - from the fourth millennium BC through to the present.

Greece

Greece was the first place that tiles appeared, at few Centuries BC in the House of Tiles in Lerna. In the area around Corinth, tiles began to replace the more traditional thatched roofs and also replaced the temples of Apollo and Poseidon. From Greece, tiles rapidly spread to neighbouring regions.

Italy

Italy too employed tiles, importing the concept from Greece. Rome and the Roman empire were of course enthusiastic users of this wonderful invention, covering their roofs with pleasant terracotta tiles. The beauty of the tile was that if one was damaged, by weather for example, it could easily be replaced.

Persia

Located roughly where Iran now is, Persia was the centre of the Islamic tile tradition. Tiles here were often glazed, printed or painted - producing a stunning effect which spread throughout the Islamic world. All kinds of public buildings, palaces and mosques were covered in these tiles which were often amazingly detailed.

Spain and Portugal

Spain and Portugal\'s history of tiles began when the Moors occupied part of this geographical area, bringing the tradition from Persia and areas under Islamic influence. Beautifully decorated tiles have adorned various important structures including the Royal Palace of Madrid. The Azulejo became a prominent feature of the nation\'s public building interiors, being found in churches, palaces, municipal buildings and even underground railway stations. In Portugal, these Azulejos were used to depict famous or momentous occasions in the countries history - particularly battles with the Spanish (Castillian) armies.

Britain

As the Roman Army spread northwards, they took ancient Britain into the Imperial fold, and thereby introduced the tile in all its forms. In buildings of importance, tiles were used to decorate the floors - frequently with tiny mosaic pieces forming patterns or images. In more everyday dwellings, they were used for the more practical reason of keeping the inclement British weather at bay. Notable locations where tiles have been found include Bath and York. Along with roads, under floor heating and a myriad other inventions, the Romans improved British life immeasurably.

The history of tiles runs alongside the development of many other inventions of civilisation. Not only did it become an essential constituent of house building but it also became a fantastic medium for art, lending itself to a multitude of shapes which could be placed on an any shape, as well as painted, printed and glazed in a bewildering array of colours and patterns. Some of the world\'s greatest buildings have been made so by the inventive use of tiles.

Today, tiles are commonplace in domestic homes - particularly bathrooms and kitchens where they provide excellent protection for walls against damp. They are also very easy to clean and can make a room quite beautiful. Despite the long history of tiles, they have not really changed significantly in hundred of years.