Ancient Roman-era mosaic unearthed in Syria 

If you know about Syria, you would know that despite being home to one of the oldest civilisations of the world, it has mostly been on the wrong side of history. From a series of civil wars, to political turmoil, to genocide, Syria, standing at the east coast of the Mediterranean Sea has been exposed to unfortunate things over the years.  

However, recently, Syria was lucky enough to stumble upon something extraordinary and fascinating, an intact 1600-year-old Roman-era mosaic, that too containing the depictions of warriors in the Trojan War. This chance discovery is being deemed by the experts as one of the rarest in present times.  

Okay, but where in Syria were the relics exactly found? Well, that would be underneath a building, in a place called Rastan, that is situated in the northern district of Syria, Homs. In fact, the area was a home of rebels, until the Syrian government seized it back in 2018. And now, the site has high archaeological significance, thanks to the recent discovery. 

In case you are wondering about the exact appearance of the mosaic, it is 20 metres long and 6 metres wide. It exhibits carvings of soldiers carrying swords and shields along with names of certain Greek leaders who participated in the Trojan War. In addition, there was also portrayal of the Roman sea god Neptune alongside 40 of his mistresses, as well as Hercules slaying the Amazon queen Hippolyta, all part of Roman mythology. However, what’s stunning about this finding is that the mosaic, unlike any other, is both rare and complete.  

Archaeologists are now hopeful that more such remains will be found if they keep digging in and around the same site. After all, Syria has always been an archaeological paradise, housing ancient and well-preserved relics that are proof of oldest civilisations. However, years of wars have partly ruined some of the major sites, including six UNESCO world heritage sites. Some of the notable ones are: burning down of the Umm al-Zinar church in the Homs province, vandalism in Khalid Ibn al-Walid Mosque and looting of mosaic fragments, coins and statuettes in Rastan. Sadly, some were even sold at the antiquities black market.  

Interestingly, although the recent mosaics belong to the Romans, Syria too has its own mosaic sites, such as the Damascus’ Umayyad Mosque, the Maarat al-Numan Museum in Idlib and floors and murals of the ancient city of Palmyra.  

For history and mythology lovers, here’s a brief overview of the Trojan War. It was a decade-long war and siege ending in the destruction of Troy. It was fought between the ancient Greeks under the leadership of King Agamemnon against the Trojans, to avenge the abduction of Helen (wife of the Spartan King Menelaus) by Paris, the Prince of Troy.