In a remarkable archaeological discovery, a Turkish farmer in the eastern province of Elâzığ stumbled upon an expansive Roman mosaic floor while planting cherry saplings, unveiling a stunning 84-square-meter artwork dating back to the Late Roman or Early Byzantine period.
Discovery of Roman Mosaic
The accidental discovery by farmer Mehmet Emin Sualp led to a groundbreaking archaeological find in Elâzığ, Türkiye. The 84-square-meter mosaic, believed to be from the Late Roman or Early Byzantine period, is the first of its kind discovered in the region12. Its intricate design features a diverse array of local wildlife, including lions, deer, boars, and the elusive Anatolian leopard, providing a vivid snapshot of the area's biodiversity during ancient times23.
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The mosaic's discovery prompted further excavations, revealing additional historical structures such as a church and a wine cellar12.
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Experts from the Elâzığ Museum Directorate, under the supervision of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, are overseeing the excavation and preservation efforts23.
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Governor Numan Hatipoğlu emphasized the significance of this find for understanding the region's history and hinted at the possibility of developing the site for future exhibitions13.
Depictions of Anatolian Wildlife
The newly discovered Roman mosaic in Elâzığ showcases a rich tapestry of Anatolian wildlife, offering a glimpse into the region's biodiversity during the Late Roman or Early Byzantine period. The intricate 84-square-meter floor features depictions of various animals native to the area, including:
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Greyhounds, possibly representing domesticated animals1
These detailed animal representations not only demonstrate the artistic skill of ancient mosaic makers but also provide valuable insights into the fauna that once inhabited the Anatolian region. The mosaic's diverse array of creatures reflects the rich ecological heritage of eastern Turkey, capturing a snapshot of the area's wildlife from over a millennium ago23.
Mosaic Creation Techniques
Late Roman and Early Byzantine mosaic artists refined techniques to create stunning visual effects that enhanced the spiritual atmosphere of religious spaces. The mosaic-making process involved carefully preparing a foundation with multiple layers, culminating in a fine mix of crushed lime and brick powder1. Artists then drew images and used tools like compasses and calipers to outline geometric shapes before meticulously cementing tesserae into position1.
Byzantine craftsmen expanded the materials used for tesserae, incorporating gold leaf and precious stones to achieve a luminous quality12. They often placed gold backing behind clear glass tesserae, creating a mysterious light that seemed to emanate from the mosaics themselves2. This play of light added drama and spiritualism to the images, perfectly suited to the symbolism inherent in Byzantine religious ceremonies2. The technique of setting gold cubes at oblique angles to direct reflections toward the viewer, particularly in haloes, was a refinement introduced in the 6th century to enhance the brilliance of gold tesserae and convey a miraculous aura of light to holy figures3.
