Syrian government uncovers Roman mosaic in Homs
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – On Wednesday, Syrian government uncovered a large intact mosaic that dates back to the Roman era in the town of Rastan near Homs Governorate in central Syria.
The government described it as the most important archaeological discovery since the start of the country’s war 11 years ago.
The mosaic, at 120 square meters, was found in an old building that Syria’s General Directorate of Antiquities and Museums had been excavating.
Dr. Humam Saad, the associate director of excavation and archaeological research at the directorate, said among the scenes the mosaic shows is a rare portrayal of Ancient Amazon warriors in Roman mythology, The Associated Press (AP) reported.
“What is in front of us is a discovery that is rare on a global scale,” Saad told AP, adding that the images are “rich in details,” and includes scenes from the Trojan War between the Greeks and Trojans.
The mosaic also portrays Neptune, Ancient Roman god of the sea, and 40 of his mistresses, AP noted.
Over the years of war, Syrian heritage sites have been looted and destroyed over the past decade of ongoing violent conflict.
Rastan was once a major opposition stronghold and was a point of intense clashes, before the Syrian government forces reclaimed it in 2018.