Search
Make wrtv.com your home page

Palestinian farmer discovers rare mosaic while planting olive tree

Details of parts of a Byzantine-era mosaic floor are uncovered by a Palestinian farmer in Bureij in central Gaza Strip, Sept. 5, 2022. The man says he stumbled upon it while planting an olive tree last spring and quietly excavated it over several months with his son. Experts say the discovery of the mosaic — which includes 17 well-preserved images of animals and birds — is one of Gaza's greatest archaeological treasures. They say it's drawing attention to the need to protect Gaza's antiquities, which are threatened by a lack of resources and the constant threat of fighting with Israel. (AP Photo/Fatima Shbair)
by: WRTV Staff
Posted: / Updated:

A Palestinian farmer made quite the discovery last spring while planting an olive tree.

The man says he was digging in the ground when he unearthed an ornate floor mosaic depicting colorful animals and birds, the Associated Press reported.

Archaeologist René Elter from the French Biblical and Archaeological School of Jerusalem told the Associated Press the mosaic was well preserved and that they were “the most beautiful mosaic floors discovered in Gaza.”

The Palestinian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities told Reuters that experts were brought in to complete the site’s excavation.

The experts believe the mosaic dates back to the Byzantine era between the 5th and the 7th centuries, the news outlets reported.

The experts also added that this discovery is one of Gaza’s greatest archaeological treasures, the Associated Press reported.

WRTV.com Trending Stories