[Art Daily] The Israel Antiquities Authority is beginning an archaeological excavation to restore a 1,700-year-old mosaic floor which is one of the most magnificent and largest mosaics in Israel. First uncovered in the city of Lod in 1996, the mosaic is an archaeological gem and extraordinarily well-preserved. It covers an area of approximately 180 square meters and is composed of colored carpets that depict in detail mammals, birds, fish, a variety of flora and the sailing and merchant ships that were used at the time. A recent generous gift from the Leon Levy Foundation and Shelby White - Chairman of the Friends of the Israel Antiquities Authority, will enable the IAA to establish the Lod Mosaic Archaeological Center on the site. The conservation and development work are scheduled to take two years. During that period, and because of the rarity and exceptional quality of the find, a section of the mosaic will be sent on exhibit to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.
2009-06-19 06:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive