1,600-year-old multicolored mosaic with geometric motifs uncovered in Yavne
Whitish patina covering the flooring initially led archaeologists to think it was plain tiling; experts say it may have been part of a ‘splendid residential building’
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A 1,600-year-old mosaic uncovered in Yavne, which archaeologists said may have once graced a mansion in an affluent neighborhood, is set to go on display in the central city, the Israel Antiquities Authority announced Monday.
The multicolored mosaic flooring dated to the Byzantine era (4th-5th century CE) was unearthed during excavations and was initially thought to be plain white due to a patina coating.
“At first, we did not realize that the floor is multicolored,” said Dr. Elie Haddad and Dr. Hagit Torgë of the IAA in a statement.
“We assumed that it was simple white mosaic paving belonging to yet another industrial installation. But black patches dotted around the mosaic suggested that it was more than one color and prompted us to remove the whitish patina that had coated it for years,” the experts said in the statement.
The mosaic was cleaned using special acid “and to our astonishment, a colorful mosaic carpet was revealed, ornamented with geometric motifs.”
The archaeologists said it was the first time that flooring of this type had been discovered in Yavne, and it “may have been part of a splendid residential building in a wealthy neighborhood adjacent to the industrial zone.”
Once it had been fully documented in situ, the mosaic was removed by the Israel Antiquities Authority and taken to one of its facilities for preservation treatment.
It is set to be displayed at the city’s cultural center as part of a joint initiative launched by the Yavne municipality, the Israel Antiquities Authority and the Israel Land Authority.
The Times of Israel Community.