A mosaic in Lod, Israel

One of the most beautiful mosaics of late antiquity found in Israel in 1996 in Lod (one of Israel's oldest cities), will join the archaeology center being built on the site of its discovery, thanks to the Leon Levy and Shelby White Foundation.

Image opposite: an archaeologist prepares the mosaic for «ungluing» and transferring it for exhibition. Israel Antiquities Authority, Niki Davidov, Assaf Peretz.

Remarkably well-preserved and beautifully crafted, this mosaic, composed of tesserae of marble and limestone or colored glass paste, adorned the floor of a Roman house dating from the Byzantine period (circa 300 AD). Measuring 17 m long by 9 m wide, it most likely decorated the room used for receptions, meals and entertainment. The brick and earthen walls of the vast, fresco-covered dwelling whose remains were found had collapsed, preserving the mosaic. The excavations also uncovered pottery and coins from the 3rd and 4th centuries.

Description

The central mosaic consists of a square bordered by geometric motifs, then subdivided into smaller squares and triangles depicting fish, birds and a wide variety of animals. The central decoration, enclosed in an octagon, features wild animals (lion, lioness, elephant, giraffe, rhinoceros, tiger and buffalo) against a background of two mountains. The animal world depicted is extremely rich and precise, and these animals were well known to the Romans, who used them in circus games.

image opposite: a general view of the famous Lod mosaic discovered in 1996. Israel Antiquities Authority, Niki Davidov, Assaf Peretz.

On either side of the central mosaic are two smaller rectangular panels. The northern one illustrates the same animal theme, while the southern one is dedicated to a marine scene. Two merchant ships are seen sailing amidst fish, dolphins and shellfish, one with sails up and the other without.
Unlike other mosaics from the same period, this mosaic is unique in that it contains no human representations or symbols of Greek or Roman divinities.

Who were the occupants?

Because of the peculiarity of this mosaic, specialists cannot determine whether the owner was pagan, Jewish or Christian. However, the human activities depicted on the south panel and the size of the dwelling suggest that he was a wealthy merchant involved in Mediterranean maritime trade.
Lod, some 15 km from Tel Aviv, is the ancient city of Lydda, destroyed by the Romans in 66 A.D. during the First Jewish War. Re-founded by Hadrian, it became a Roman colony under Septimius Severus in 200 A.D.; it became a Christian city in the Byzantine Empire before being conquered by the Arabs (around 636?).

Image opposite: a detailed view of the mosaic. Israel Antiquities Authority, Niki Davidov, Assaf Peretz.

A new discovery

In 2015, archaeologists discovered another mosaic, which will also be displayed in the new museum. IAA archaeologist Dr. Amir Gorzalczany, director of this phase of excavations, said the latest find provided further evidence of the luxurious lifestyle that prevailed in Roman times :
«Excavations at the site uncovered a villa comprising a large reception room triclinium paved with luxurious mosaics and a columned inner courtyard, also with mosaics, and a water supply system, we found evidence of the Mediterranean luxury that characterized the Roman Empire, including attributes such as fresco murals.»

The mosaic was uncovered under two meters of earth during the construction of a freeway between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. It decorated the floor of a residence in the ancient Roman city of Lydda, probably in a reception room.. Israel Antiquities Authorithy/Nicky Davidov.