An impressive 1600-year-old mosaic discovered in an archeological excavation in Yavne

The mosaic was uncovered by the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) in an excavation before the construction of a new neighborhood, funded by the Israel Land Authority • Archaeologists: It may have served as the floor of a luxurious residence

A spectacular 1,600-year-old mosaic discovered in archeological excavations in Yavne will be relocated and presented to the general public at the city's Hall of Culture, at the joint initiative of the Yavne Municipality, the IAA and the Israel Land Authority.

In recent years, the IAA has been conducting a large-scale archeological excavation southeast of Tel Yavne, as part of a project by the Israel Land Authority to expand the city. The excavation, led by Dr. Eli Hadad, Liat Nadav-Ziv and Dr. John Seligman, revealed a large industrial area that had been active for centuries.

According to archaeologists, this is the first time such a floor has been exposed in Yavnea (a city in the Central District of Israel) and its preservation is excellent. In their estimation, "it is possible that the floor was part of a luxurious residence, which belonged to a wealthy neighborhood located near the ancient industrial area."

Photo: Assaf Peretz, IAA

Photo: Assaf Peretz, IAA

The mayor of Yavne, Zvi Gov-Ari, said that "the preservation of archeology and memory are important values ​​in the life of Yavne, which has a glorious history. In an age of progress and accelerated development in all areas of life, it is important that future generations also get to know up close the stages of development that the city has gone through over various periods. We will continue to work with the IAA to ensure that the findings are exposed to the general public and that the learning and knowledge of the city's past and historical significance is deepened. "

Photo: Assaf Peretz, IAA

The colorful mosaic floor, which dates to the Byzantine period (4th century AD), was discovered in an area managed by Avishag Rice of the Israel Antiquities Authority. The floor is decorated with geometric and colorful patterns, and here has a black rectangular frame. "At first we did not notice at all that it was a colored floor," say Dr. Eli Hadad and Dr. Hagit Torga. "We thought it was a simple white mosaic floor of another industrial installation. But black dots that protruded from the mosaic hinted to us that it was colored, and the layer of white patina that had accumulated on it over the years should be removed.

"The director of preservation went into cleaning the mosaic using a special acid," they say, "and to the astonishment of all of us, a colorful carpet of mosaic floor was discovered, decorated with geometric patterns."

After documenting the mosaic in the field, drawing and photographing it, the mosaic was temporarily removed and transferred to the workshop.

The mosaics of the Antiquities Authority at the Rockefeller Museum, where it was treated and preserved with the help of experts from the authority's preservation director.

In cooperation between the Israel Antiquities Authority and the Yavneh Municipality, which works to make archeology accessible to residents, and with the assistance of the Israel Land Authority, a suitable place for the mosaic was found - in the plaza near the Yavneh Hall of Culture.

Photo: Assaf Peretz, IAA

Photo: Assaf Peretz, IAA

Photo: Assaf Peretz, IAA

These days, the municipality is working on preparing the infrastructure on which the mosaic will be laid, for the benefit of Yavneh residents and the general public. The preservation work of the mosaic and its placement in its new place will be carried out according to ancient technology, and similar materials used in ancient times will be used. During the work, the site will be open to the general public so that everyone can enjoy and see the process of conservation work and mosaic display.

Diego Barkan, Archaeologist of the Tel Aviv District of the Israel Antiquities Authority, welcomes the fruitful cooperation with the Israel Land Authority and the Yavne Municipality, for the benefit of the public. "I am happy that the mosaic will be displayed in a central location in the city, so that the heritage values ​​will be preserved and made accessible to the wide."