At the end of 2023, a farmer in eastern Turkey uncovered a rare, largely intact late Roman mosaic while planting a cherry orchard. Spanning nearly 1,000 square feet, it is believed to be the largest of its kind found in the country. The mosaic, hidden for centuries under 50 cm of soil in Salkaya village, Elazığ province, dates back to the late 3rd century.
“This is the first surviving mosaic of its kind, depicting animals that once roamed here,” said Emre Çayır, the lead archaeologist. Unlike other large mosaics in Turkey, which feature geometric patterns or mythological themes, this one depicts hunting scenes. It shows a lion stalking a goat, a leopard attacking an ostrich, greyhounds chasing a wild boar, and a stag escaping a bear, along with peaceful moments of birds resting under pomegranate trees.
The mosaic, named the “Salkaya Mosaic,” also features a rare Anatolian leopard and reflects the “eternal cycle of nature.” The lion and bear symbolize Roman authority, while the hunting dogs highlight humanity’s place in the food chain.
The farmer, Mehmet Emin Sualp, discovered the mosaic while digging in September 2023 and alerted local authorities. Excavations have revealed additional structures, including a bathhouse, a house of worship, and several buildings within a 65,000-square-foot area. Archaeologists also uncovered a basalt road, irrigation channel, and possible winemaking facilities.
Turkey’s culture ministry has not yet decided if the mosaic will be moved or preserved on-site. Future plans will depend on further discoveries during the ongoing excavation.
Source: ArtNews