Byzantine-era mosaic pavement uncovered in central Israel

by Karen Faulkner, Worthy News Correspondent

(Worthy News) – Architects in Israel recently unearthed a 1,600-year-old mosaic pavement in the ancient city of Yavne in central Israel, Israel365 reports. According to the Israel Antiquities Authority, the Byzantine-era flooring will eventually be exhibited at the Yavne cultural center.

Dating back to the 4th-5th century AD, the pavement was discovered during excavations carried out in preparation for the construction of a new neighborhood in Yavne, I365 said.

In a statement about the find, IAA archaeologists Elie Haddad and Hagit Torgë said that once the flooring had been treated to remove patina, “a colorful mosaic carpet was revealed, ornamented with geometric motifs.” The pavement “may have been part of a splendid residential building in a wealthy neighborhood adjacent to the industrial zone,” the archaeologists added.

The pavement has been temporarily transferred to the IAA mosaic workshop at the Rockefeller Museum in east Jerusalem, where it will be preserved by conservation specialists, I365 said. The conservation process will be open to viewing by the public.

“Archaeological preservation and awareness of the past are important values in the life of the city, which has a magnificent history,” Yavne Mayor Zvi Gov-Ari said in a statement. “In an age of progress and accelerated development in all fields of life, future generations should also be able to see how the city has evolved throughout history. We will continue to work with the Israel Antiquities Authority to ensure public accessibility to the finds and continued research and understanding of the city’s past and its historical importance.”

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