Rare 1,600-year-old mosaic from Christian monastery unveiled after centuries of obscurity

A 1,600-year-old Byzantine-era mosaic from a Christian monastery was recently put on public display for the first time, giving a glimpse into life during ancient times.The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs made a statement about the unveiling of the Be’er Shema mosaic earlier this week.The mosaic was officially opened to the public at the Merhavim Regional Council complex in the Southern District of Israel on Sunday.The ministry described the art piece as “one of the most impressive mosaics discovered in the south of the country.”“The approximately 1,600-year-old colorful mosaic presents 55 medallions decorated with hunting scenes, animals, and scenes of everyday life,” the statement also noted.The mosaic has 55 medallions, with each telling its own story.

Archaeologist Shaike Lender said the scenes depict “mythological characters, baskets of fruit, exotic animals, scenes from everyday life, hunting scenes and more.”“The mosaic was clearly made by the hand of a true artist,” Lender added. “It is comprised of small mosaic stones in a variety of colors, combined with glass and pottery to infuse it with variety.”The Be’er Shema mosaic was found in 1990 during an excavation in Kibbutz Urim. Archaeologists don’t know its exact age, but they dated it to the Byzantine period of Israeli history, which lasted from 324 A.D.to 638 A.D.The mosaic was a feature within a monastery that also doubled as a winery to “earn its sustenance,” according to Israeli officials.“The excavation of the complex uncovered a large winepress and warehouses with storage jugs, which were produced on site,” the statement said. The monastery was built near an ancient spice trail road that connected the historic city of Elusa with the port of Gaza.“It seems that the ancient road upon which this settlement was sited served as a kind of border between the desert and the inhabited part of the country – during the Byzantine period, and perhaps serving as ...