Excavations unearthed an impressive mosaic at the ancient Greek city of Perge, Turkey. The mosaic depicts the sacrifice of Iphigenia, the daughter of Agamemnon and Clytemnestra during the Trojan War.

The new mosaic was unearthed when the archaeological team was working to investigate the area where a shop was to be opened in the west wing of the site. The 1800-year-old mosaic is located in what is thought to be a sacred cult area of the city. In ancient Greek mythology Iphigenia was the daughter of Agamemnon and Clytemnestra. Agamemnon had to sacrifice his daughter after he killed a deer sacred to goddess Artemis who stopped all winds in anger and the ships of Achaeans could not sail to Troy. Agamemnon lied to his daughter and his wife by saying that Iphigenia was to marry Achilles before they left. Achilles tried to prevent the sacrifice, but Iphigenia ultimately decided to sacrifice herself in honour and of her own volition.

(after AA photo, Hurriyet Daily News & Greek Reporter)