A large mosaic with images of animals and plants was found in eastern Turkey.

The find was made by a local farmer while planting a cherry orchard.

In eastern Turkey, near the city of Elazig, a local farmer discovered a large – 84 square meters – ancient mosaic. The farmer made the discovery while digging holes for cherry seedlings. The mosaic that once decorated the floor shows a whole “zoo” – lions, mountain goats, ducks, greyhounds, deer, pheasants, wild boars, bears, geese and Anatolian leopards. Plants, including trees, are also depicted. The mosaic is framed with geometric patterns – triangles, rhombuses, squares, etc. The mosaic dates back to late Roman or early Byzantine times.

“When creating mosaics, masters were guided by stable patterns. Note, for example, the almost identical images of gray mountain goats at the southern edge of the mosaic. But despite some repetitions, the impression of the composition is lively and natural, thanks to the variability of the angle of inclination of animals and plants, and the variety of their combinations. And in general, the masters confidently and consistently use artistic means, create three-dimensional images using gradient light and shadow modeling,” comments the find Tamas KishbaliAssociate Professor of the Department of General History of Art, Faculty of History, Moscow State University. M.V. Lomonosov.

Local authorities say it is one of the largest mosaics in the region. They believe the image shows native species. The excavations have already been expanded – the remains of a church and a winery were found next to the mosaic. Research is planned to continue. Authorities expect the mosaic to attract researchers and tourists.
The farmer who became the “author of the discovery” then began to participate in scientific excavations of the mosaic. He bought this land in 2020 for approximately $3,500. According to him, the cost of the mosaic cannot be estimated.

Based on materials Türkiye Today