Unveiling the Hidden Mosaics of Caesarea: A Glimpse into Ancient Rome

Recently, a rare and beautiful Roman mosaic dating back to the 2nd-3rd centuries CE was uncovered in Caesarea's National Park, featuring ancient Greek inscriptions. This significant find emerged during excavations conducted by the Israel Antiquities Authority and the Caesarea Development Corporation, in collaboration with the Nature and Parks Authority.

These digs are part of a restoration project for the impressive Byzantine-era entrance bridge to Caesarea, which is a section of a broader promenade project by the Caesarea Development Corporation, connecting Jisr az-Zarqa to the national park.

During the excavation, a section of a magnificent structure from the Byzantine period, approximately 1,500 years old, was found. Researchers believe this structure was part of a large public area used for leisure and commerce. Astonishingly, beneath this lavish building, a breathtaking mosaic floor was unearthed, estimated to be around 1,800 years old.

"This colorful mosaic, over 5x3.5 meters in size, is of rare quality and features three figures, colorful geometric patterns, and an extensive Greek inscription that was damaged during the construction of the Byzantine building above," said Dr. Peter Gendelman and Dr. Uzi Ad, the excavation directors for the Israeli Antiquities Authority. "The figures in the mosaic—likely men dressed in togas, a woolen garment worn by Romans—appear to be of high social status. There is a frontal central figure, with two others facing it on either side. Their identities depend on the building's use, which remains unclear. If the mosaic belonged to a wealthy residence, it might depict the homeowners. If it was a public structure, the figures could represent the mosaic's donors or city council members."

Jack Nagra, head of artistic conservation at the Israel Antiquities Authority, explains: "The rare mosaic was created at a very high artistic level, similar to those found in places like Antioch in Turkey. The depiction of figures was composed of densely packed small stones—approximately 12,000 stones per square meter. The Antiquities Authority's conservation director is currently working on-site to ensure the newly exposed mosaic sections remain intact and do not deteriorate over time. The bridge area is being restructured to make the mosaic accessible to the public."

Shaul Goldstein, director of the Nature and Parks Authority, elaborated on the discovery's significance: "The discovery of the Roman-era mosaic once again showcases Caesarea as a mosaic of cultures and a multifaceted city. Caesarea's bloom parallels the decline of Jerusalem and the Temple's destruction in 70 CE by the very Romans who sought to imprint their culture on the East. Today, Caesarea's National Park attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors annually, making it one of the country's leading sites. A tour of the city magnificently depicts ‘Herod's dream’ and the core idea at the heart of Western thought, as well as in the ‘new’ mosaic discovered, where the individual is viewed as the pinnacle of nature’s creation."