A Unique Treasure is Unveiled in Israel

As a Christian, I always have a special passion toward the country Israel even though I have never visited there. In the beginning of July, I received exciting news from Israel Ministry of Tourism stating that a 1700-year-old mosaic floor has been unveiled.

This piece of antiquity is considered to be the largest and most beautiful mosaic floor piece in the world. It is still well-preserved and is about 180 square meters. The piece portrays fish, birds, mammals, flowers and ships. Thirteen years ago, in 1996, the mosaic floor was found in the city of Lod, about 22 kilometers southeast of Tel Aviv. This piece has been covered over for 13 years since its first exposure because of concerns with budget and excavation methods.

In July 2009, with the cooperation of Israel Antiquities Authority, Municipality of Lod and Leon Levy Foundation, this archaeological gem has finally been re-exposed. After complete excavation, the mosaic will be removed from the site and transferred to the conservation laboratory of the Israel Antiquities Authority in Jerusalem. This conservation process will take many months. However, a section of the mosaic will be displayed in an exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. In addition, a visitor center will be constructed in the mosaic’s original place. This visitor center will be opened to the public as part of an overall program to turn Lod into a center of tourism.

Amazing! I can’t wait to see the section which will be exhibited in Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, and I’m sure one day I’ll see the entire piece of it in Lod.

By: Christal Fang