A Glimpse into the Ancient World: 1,600-Year-Old Mosaic Discovered in Yavne

A stunning mosaic approximately 1,600 years old was discovered during an archaeological excavation in Yavne. Organized by the Israel Antiquities Authority, the project aims to expand the city. The mosaic, unearthed in partnership with the Yavne Municipality and the Israel Land Authority, will soon be relocated to the city's cultural center for public display.

For years, archaeologists from the Israel Antiquities Authority have been conducting an extensive excavation southeast of Tel Yavne. The project, managed by Dr. Eli Haddad, Liat Nadav-Ziv, and Dr. Jon Seligman, uncovered a vast industrial area that thrived for centuries.

This mosaic marks a first for Yavne, with its excellent preservation surprising archaeologists. "This floor might have been part of a luxurious residence owned by affluent citizens living near the industrial zone," they suggested.

The vibrant mosaic floor, dating to the Byzantine period (4th century CE), was supervised by Avishag Reiss of the Israel Antiquities Authority. It features colorful geometric designs with a black rectangular border. "Initially, we mistook it for a simple white industrial mosaic," recount Dr. Eli Haddad and Dr. Hagit Turge. "Black specks peeking through hinted it was colored, leading us to remove the whitish patina that had accumulated over the years. The conservator then used a special acid to clean the mosaic, revealing a colorful tapestry of geometric patterns to our astonishment."

The mosaic discovered in Yavne (Photo: Asaf Peretz, Israel Antiquities Authority)

After documenting, sketching, and photographing on site, the mosaic was temporarily moved to the Israel Antiquities Authority's mosaic workshop at the Rockefeller Museum for treatment and conservation by experts.

The Israel Antiquities Authority and Yavne Municipality, with support from the Israel Land Authority, have collaborated to find a suitable relocation site for the mosaic - adjacent to Yavne's cultural center.

The municipality is currently preparing the groundwork to host the mosaic. Its conservation and installation will follow ancient techniques using materials similar to those used originally. Throughout the process, the site will remain open to the public for an up-close view of conservation efforts and the mosaic's reinstallation.

Yavne's Mayor, Zvi Gov-Ari, stated: "Preserving archaeology and memory is vital for Yavne, a city with a glorious history. In our era of progress and rapid development, it's crucial for future generations to understand the city's historical evolution. We'll continue working with the Israel Antiquities Authority to ensure these findings are accessible, enriching public knowledge of Yavne's past and its historical significance."