The Bureij mosaic is a Byzantine-era mosaic floor discovered under an olive orchard in the Bureij refugee camp in the Gaza Strip, Palestine in 2022.
The mosaic was likely created between AD 390 and 634–636. It is described as a "sprawling grid" with cartouches containing 17 animals, including geese, ducks, dogs, insects, goats, deer, and an octopus. There are also geometric patterns and a border depicting a vine. 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.
Farmer Salman al-Nabahin found the mosaic when he began investigating why his trees were not rooting properly. The French Biblical and Archaeological School of Jerusalem is assisting with the excavation. Archaeologist Rene Elter reported that the mosaic was in a "perfect state of conservation". Further research is needed to determine whether the mosaic floor was installed in a private villa, a religious structure, or for some other purpose.
See also
References
- ^ "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.
- ^ 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.
- 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.
- ^ "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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