06/02/2025
Roman-era mosaic is uncovered during the excavation of an old building in Syria .
RASTAN, Syria —in 2022 Syria uncovered a large intact mosaic that dates back to the Roman era, describing it Wednesday as the most important archaeological discovery since the country’s conflict began 11 years ago.
Journalists were shown the mosaic in the central town of Rastan near Homs, Syria’s third largest city.
The mosaic, at 120 square meters (around 1,300 square feet), was found in an old building that Syria’s General Directorate of Antiquities and Museums had been excavating.
Lebanese and Syrian businessmen from the neighboring country’s Nabu Museum bought the property that dates back to the 4th century and donated it to the Syrian state.
Each panel was filled with square-shaped, small colorful stones measuring about half an inch on each side.
Dr. Humam Saad, the associate director of excavation and archaeological research at the directorate, said among the scenes the mosaic shows is a rare portrayal of Ancient Amazon warriors in Roman mythology.
“What is in front of us is a discovery that is rare on a global scale,” Saad told The Associated Press, adding that the images are “rich in details,” and includes scenes from the Trojan War between the Greeks and Trojans.
In Ancient Greek and Roman mythology, demigod hero Hercules slayed Hippolyta, queen of the Amazons, in one of his 12 labors.
Source : NPR website
📸 AFP daily mail website
