Archaeologists hail mosaic find in Sinai

From iol.co.za: Archaeologists hail mosaic find in Sinai.

A nine-metre-long Roman mosaic dating from the 2nd Century has been unearthed by an Egyptian-Polish archaeological team in northern Sinai, the Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA) said on Wednesday.

The mosaic was found while the archaeologists were restoring a Pelusium Roman theatre in an area 25km east of the Suez Canal.

"It is the most unique piece of mosaic ever found in Sinai," said SCA Secretary-General Zahi Hawass.

The mosaic, made from a combination of glass, marble, clay and limestone, features a blooming garden with two birds on a tree branch and other birds flying over roses.

It is believed to have once been part of the theatre's decorated floor. [continue]

Posted on August 25, 2005 09:25 AM. Filed under: history & archaeology.