A team of archaeologists working in the ancient city of Syedra, on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast, has uncovered a mosaic floor dated to 1,500-years-ago.
The mosaic measures approximately 4.5 by 4.5 metres and dates to the 5th or 6th century AD. Decorated with geometric and floral motifs, it is inscribed with two Greek inscriptions containing playful messages for visitors.
One inscription reads “Use it with joy,” while the other roughly translates as “May the envious burst with jealousy.”
Inscriptions like these were fairly common in home mosaics from late antiquity. People often used them to show hospitality, express pride in their homes, or ward off bad luck.
The mix of friendly and cheeky messages gives a rare look at the personalities and social attitudes of the people who lived there. The mosaic was found during ongoing excavations led by the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the General Directorate of Cultural Heritage and Museums.
Associate Professor Dr Ertuğ Ergürer, who leads the Syedra excavation at Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University, says the mosaic was found in what appears to be a large residential complex.
“We are excavating what seems to be an important residential building,” Ergürer explained. “The structure was continuously modified and remained in use from the 2nd century AD until around the 7th century AD, reflecting several phases of habitation and architectural change during the early Byzantine period.”
The mosaic is in the building’s entrance area and has remained intact in remarkable condition. After its identification, archaeologists carried out conservation and restoration work to ensure the floor would endure.
Syedra
Syedra itself is one of the lesser-known but historically significant cities along Turkey’s Mediterranean coast. Founded in the Hellenistic period, the city was a prominent Roman centre from the 1st century BC to the 7th century AD.
Some ancient writers, such as Lucan and Florus, mention Syedra. They suggest that the Roman general Pompey held his last council of war there in 48 BC before going to Egypt. Syedra reached its height in the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD.
Previous excavations have identified the remains of city walls, roads, baths, temples, cisterns, a council building, and a striking colonnaded street. The city was also known for its advanced water system, with large rock-cut cisterns to collect rainwater in an area with little fresh water.
Discoveries like this new mosaic help archaeologists learn more about daily life in ancient times. While large public buildings tell us about politics and religion, domestic homes give us a closer look at how regular people lived, decorated, and welcomed guests, sometimes with a bit of humour.
Sources : General Directorate of Cultural Heritage and Museums of Turkey
