Israeli Antiquity Authority archaeologists unveil rare Roman-era mosaic

Israeli archaeologists on Thursday unveiled what they called a “rare and beautiful” Roman mosaic floor excavated in the ancient Mediterranean port city of Caesarea. A statement from the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) said the piece, from the 2nd or 3rd century AD, measures more than 3.5 by 8 metres (11 by 26 feet). “We uncovered a mosaic floor of a Roman building from 1,800 years ago,” Uzi Ad, one of the directors of the dig, said at the site. “It is a high-quality and colourful mosaic with three figures,” he said. It depicts three prosperous-looking males wearing togas, one facing the viewer and the other two in profile. “We can find similar mosaics only in Cyprus and northern Syria,” Ad said. “In Israel we have never before found the same quality.”