Skeleton on ancient mosaic: 'YOLO'

‘Be cheerful, enjoy life,’ reads inscription on 2,400-year-old dining room floor found in southern Turkey

Archaeologists have unearthed an ancient mosaic featuring a reclining skeleton holding a drink with the inscription in Greek: “Be cheerful, enjoy life,” Turkey’s state-run news agency said last week.

Anadolu Agency said Friday the mosaic was discovered during excavations in the Syrian border province of Hatay — ancient Antioch — which boasts Turkey’s largest collection of ancient mosaics.

Anadolu said the floor mosaic, dating from the third century BCE, is believed to have decorated the dining area of a home. The skeleton, featured on a black background, is surrounded by bread and an amphora.

Anadolu quoted archaeologist Demet Kara as saying the mosaic is unique in Turkey but a similar one has been found in Italy.