A remarkably well-preserved Roman mosaic depicting various fish, animals, birds, and boats has returned to the site where it was first discovered in the outskirts of Tel Aviv after a decade of being showcased in some of the world’s leading museums.
Over 1,700-year-old Roman Mosaic
This 1,700-year-old mosaic, dating from the late Roman period, was discovered in 1996 during highway construction but was not displayed until 2009 when funding was secured for its preservation.
The Israel Antiquities Authority stated that the colorful mosaic, measuring 55 feet (17 meters) long and about 29 feet (9 meters) wide, may have once been the entrance hall floor of a mansion in a wealthy residential area of Lod, near what is now Tel Aviv.
Archaeologist Hagit Torge from the Israel Antiquities Authority noted: “The owner was likely a very wealthy merchant because he traveled the world and saw everything, as reflected in all the ships and fish depicted in the mosaic.”
According to archaeologist Amir Gorzalczany from Israel Antiquities, the design of the mosaic shows influences from North African mosaics and lacks any depictions of humans, suggesting it may belong to a Christian or Jewish individual wishing to avoid influences from other sects.
The mosaic will be displayed at the Archaeological Center in Lod.
