The Bureij mosaic is a Byzantine-era mosaic floor discovered under an olive orchard in the Bureij refugee camp in the Gaza Strip in 2022.[1]

The mosaic was likely created between AD 390 and 634–636.[1] It is described as a "sprawling grid" with cartouches containing 17 animals, including geese, ducks, dogs, insects, goats, deer, and an octopus.[2][1][3] There are also geometric patterns and a border depicting a vine.[4] The mosaic underlies a 500-square-metre (5,400 sq ft) area from which three sections of earth have already been removed, with more remaining to be excavated.[4]

Farmer Salman al-Nabahin found the mosaic when he began investigating why his trees were not rooting properly.[1] The French Biblical and Archaeological School of Jerusalem is assisting with the excavation.[2] Archaeologist Rene Elter reported that the mosaic was in a "perfect state of conservation".[4] Further research is needed to determine whether the mosaic floor was installed in a private villa, a religious structure, or for some other purpose.[4]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 "Ornate Byzantine floor mosaic discovered by Palestinian farmer". The Guardian. Reuters. 19 September 2022. Archived from the original on 2023-04-07. Retrieved 2023-10-13.
  2. 1 2 Escalante-De Mattei, Shanti (20 September 2022). "Palestinian Farmer Unearths 1,500-Year-Old Byzantine Mosaic in the Gaza Strip". ARTnews.com. Archived from the original on 2023-05-30. Retrieved 2023-10-13.
  3. ↑ Velie, Elaine (21 September 2022). "Palestinian Farmer Accidentally Unearths Intact Byzantine Mosaic". Hyperallergic. Archived from the original on 2023-07-27. Retrieved 2023-10-13.
  4. 1 2 3 4 "Photos: Byzantine mosaics discovered under Gaza farm". www.aljazeera.com. Archived from the original on 2023-05-27. Retrieved 2023-10-13.
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