Ancient Byzantine mosaics were unearthed in the central Gaza Strip. Researchers say the discovery dates back to the 5th or 7th centuries. The mosaic floor is adorned with bright colours and iconographies of beasts and birds.
In an interview with Associated Press, René Elter, an archaeologist from the French Biblical and Archaeological School of Jerusalem said, “these are the most beautiful mosaic floors discovered in Gaza, both in terms of the quality of the graphic representation and the complexity of the geometry.” Elter’s team is currently examining the findings.
‘Most beautiful mosaic floors in Gaza’
With the help of his son, Salman al-Nabahin unearthed the relic six months ago while working on his olive farm. “I see it as a treasure, dearer than a treasure. It is a Palestinian legacy,” Nabahin said during an interview with Reuters news agency.
The 500 square metre land holding is a glimpse into the wealthy era of the Byzantine. During this age, wealth and artistic patronage in Palestine grew, along with the construction of new churches and monuments.
The mosaics are the latest Byzantine archaeological find in Gaza. The remains of a 5th century church was unveiled in Jabaliya, in January. This followed a three-years long restoration project.
During ancient times, the Gaza Strip was a bustling trade route between Egypt and the Levant. Because of this, the Palestinian coastal strip is full of ancient remains from past civilizations. Mostly from the Bronze Age to the Islamic and Ottoman eras.
Timeline: The decades long conflict between Gaza and Israel
The stunning relics were found in an area less than one kilometre from the tense border with Israel. Regardless, they have been described as in a perfect state of conservation by Elter and the team. The Gaza Strip has been blockaded by Israel since the early 2000s. This has resulted in 45% of its population of 2 million people living in poverty or unemployment.
