In his article ‘A new look at some fourth-century mosaics’, Roger Ling has convincingly argued that the subject-matter of the mosaics at the villa of Brading, Isle of Wight, is derived from standard mythological and genre scenes. In the case of the mosaic from Room III (the so-called Abraxas or Iao mosaic) he has suggested that the two surviving rectangular panels owe their origins to African hunt-mosaics. The purpose of this article is to develop Professor Ling's explanation by looking in more detail at the mosaic and, in particular, at the two linear features associated with the griffins on the ‘Abraxas’ panel (PL. V) which have not previously been noted or discussed. These lines arguably represent millet stalks. As such they have significance for the interpretation of the mosaic as a whole, as they indicate that it is concerned with the activities of the amphitheatre.