Byzantine Era - Geometric mosaic unearthed in Syrian archaeological site

[Khufre]

Byzantine Era - Geometric mosaic unearthed in Syrian archaeological site      
By Ruaa AL-Jazaeri   
Sunday, 13 December 2009 19:53



The Syrian National Excavation Expedition working at Tal al-Kasara archaeological site in Deir Ezzor Province (Northeastern Syria) discovered a 44-meter long mosaic painting.

[Khufre]

The painting was found in the cool hall of a bathhouse at the site .It is the first of its kind that was discovered in the Middle Euphrates Region and it represents geometric shapes and fishes with opposite heads.

The site was discovered by the British expedition for the first time in 1849 and a survey was conducted during the French mandate. In 2006, the National Expedition started its excavations through which it discovered a city dating back to the Byzantine Era, said Head of the National Excavation Expedition Yarub al-Abdullah.

He added "Excavations indicated that there was a large military defensive city that has an important strategic location on the borders between the Byzantine and the Sasanian Empires."

The conducted surveys unearthed Roman clay pieces to the west of the site, indicating that it witnessed a great prosperity at the Byzantine Era and expanded to become a large city.

Some of the most important archeological discoveries at the site were the gate of the city and two tombs built of basalt stone and painted with lime. (ASNA)

Global Arab Network

Photo: Archive library

http://www.english.globalarabnetwork.com/200912134000/Culture/byzantine-era-geometric-mosaic-unearthed-in-syrian-archaeological-site.html