- Feb 5, 2002
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One of the most spectacular mosaics ever found in Israel is now on display to the public for the first time. The Be’er Shema (Birsama) mosaic was discovered almost 35 years ago near Kibbutz Urim in the Negev Desert, and is believed to be approximately 1,600 years old.
“This is a unique mosaic from the Byzantine period (324-638 CE),” said Shaike Lender, one of the archaeologists who excavated the site together with Dan Gazit. “It presents 55 richly detailed medallions — with 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. It is comprised of small mosaic stones in a variety of colors, combined with glass and pottery to infuse it with variety.”
Artisans from the Byzantine era originally created the stunning mosaic, made up of multiple circles with intricate designs inside, to decorate a monastery. Archaeologists excavating the ruins found a large winepress and warehouses with storage jugs, indicating that the monastery once produced wine as a means of income.
Continued below.
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“This is a unique mosaic from the Byzantine period (324-638 CE),” said Shaike Lender, one of the archaeologists who excavated the site together with Dan Gazit. “It presents 55 richly detailed medallions — with 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. It is comprised of small mosaic stones in a variety of colors, combined with glass and pottery to infuse it with variety.”
Artisans from the Byzantine era originally created the stunning mosaic, made up of multiple circles with intricate designs inside, to decorate a monastery. Archaeologists excavating the ruins found a large winepress and warehouses with storage jugs, indicating that the monastery once produced wine as a means of income.
Continued below.
Ancient mosaic unearthed in southern Israel now restored and ready for public viewing
One of the most spectacular mosaics ever found in Israel is now on display to the public for the first time
www.christianpost.com
