(ORDO NEWS) — The large intact mosaic dates back to the Roman era. Archaeologists have called it “the most important archaeological discovery” since the beginning of the military conflict in the country, which began 11 years ago.
The mosaic was found in the city of Rastan, the third largest settlement in Syria. The excavations were led by the General Directorate of Antiquities and Museums of Syria, after the ancient building (4th century AD) in the center was bought by businessmen from the Nabu Museum (Lebanon).
They donated the house to the Syrian state.
The area of the mosaic is about 120 square meters. Each of its panels is filled with small multi-colored square-shaped stones about a centimeter in size on each side.
Dr. Humam Saad, deputy director of the Department of Excavations and Archaeological Research, said among the scenes depicted on the mosaic is a rare representation of ancient Amazon warriors from Roman mythology.
“What we have before us is a rare discovery on a global scale,” Saad told the Associated Press, adding that the images are “rich in detail” and include scenes from the Trojan War between Greeks and Trojans.
In addition to being perfectly preserved, the mosaic shows interesting stories from ancient Greek and Roman mythology.
It depicts the demigod hero Hercules, who killed Hippolyta, queen of the Amazons. The mosaic also features Neptune, the ancient Roman god of the sea, and 40 of his mistresses.
Alas, now archaeologists cannot determine what this building served in the past. More information is needed, which may come after the end of the excavations.
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