Impressive ancient mosaic found in south-eastern Turkey

Archaeologists conducting excavations in the Yumurtalık district of the Adana province in south-eastern Turkey discovered an elaborate mosaic depicting the ancient Greek god of the sea, Poseidon.  The artwork is dated to 2-4th century BC.

Mosaic of Poseidon from Aegae (by Hurriyet Daily News)
Mosaic of Poseidon from Aegae (by Hurriyet Daily News)

The mosaic was found on the floor of a Roman bath, in the cold pool called frigidarium. At the lower part of the mosaic there was a partially ruined Greek inscription, saying “Greetings to all of you bathing”. The mosaic overs over 11 square metres. It is split in two panels, one depicting Poseidon carrying a trident with dolphins next to it on both sides, and the other one completely destroyed. The discovery was made in the area of the ancient city of Aegae, which occupied the coastal area now overbuilt by the city of Yumurtalık. The city served as a naval base in the era of the Roman Empire. It was a famous for the cult of Asclepius, the god of medicine in ancient Greek mythology, as one of the largest temples of the deity was located within the city.

(after Hurriyet Daily News)

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