Thousands of years of history and tradition are scattered across the holy land of the Middle East. Because almost all empires had control over that region at one time or another.
Due to this, various empire structures and historical buildings have been built there. Recently, some significant archaeological sites of the Byzantine Empire have been discovered in Gaza, Palestine. Some ancient mosaics have been found there which are estimated to be 1500 years old or more.
The discovery of 5th-7th century Byzantine mosaics in the central Gaza Strip was announced on Friday (September 16). A report confirmed this information. Local farmer Salman Al-Nabahin discovered the wreckage about six months ago while working in his olive grove in Burez refugee camp. Later, however, he conducted the excavation work with his son for about 3 months.
After their discovery, archaeologist René Elter of the French Biblical and Archaeological School of Jerusalem said, ‘These are the most beautiful mosaic floors discovered in Gaza in terms of quality of graphic representation and geometric complexity. He estimates that the mosaic floor was built between the fifth and seventh centuries.
However, he also said that more excavation is needed to know whether it is a religious structure. The discovered mosaics are reportedly the latest Byzantine archaeological treasures to be discovered in Gaza. Earlier, in January this year, the ruins of a fifth-century church were unearthed in Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip.
Historians say that during the Byzantine Empire, the Gaza Strip, now Israel, was a busy trade route between Egypt and the Levant. The route was active from the Bronze Age to the Islamic and Ottoman periods.
However, the Gaza Strip has been under Israeli blockade since 2007. About 2 million innocent Muslims there are now living inhumane lives. In addition, about 45 percent of people in the Gaza Strip are unemployed.
However, the mosaics were found just 1 kilometer from the tense border between Israel and Palestine. A team of researchers in Jerusalem tested them.
Archaeologist René Elter believes that the mosaics were part of a church or a private villa. He confirmed that the most valuable commodity of the time was used in the mosaic. Researcher Elta has previously conducted research in many locations in Gaza. But he still could not visit the mosaic site of that farmer. After seeing the pictures from the media, he spoke about the establishment.
During the Byzantine Empire, many new churches were established in Palestine. The most valuable materials of the time were used in those structures. The newly found mosaic floor is about 5 and a half market square feet.
The Palestinian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities said in a statement, ‘The archaeological discovery is still in its early stages. We look forward to learning more privacy and civilized values.’