Roman mosaic masterpiece from Antakya, Turkey. The 1,300-year-old, 9,000-square-foot mosaic was discovered in 2010 while digging the foundation for a new hotel. Archaeologists believe this vast mosaic with intricate geometries was the floor of a public building in the ancient city of Antioch. It was damaged during a series of major earthquakes in 526 and 528 CE, but some of that damage only enhances its spectacular visual qualities because the mosaic remained connected to the floor and mostly intact even as the foundation itself undulated wildly. Founded in 300 B.C. by one of Alexander the Great’s successor generals Seleucus I Nicator, Antioch was the capital of the Seleucid Empire until it was conquered by Rome in 63 B.C. and became the seat of the governor. Its location made it a hub of trade between the Mediterranean and the East. At its peak, Antioch had a population of half a million and was so important that it was considered a rival first to Alexandria and then to Constantinople as the second most important city in the Empire. This intricate artwork offers a glimpse into the vibrant culture and artistic prowess of the Roman Empire. #history #ancienthistory #ancientturkey #turkey #romanempire #romanart #romanartifacts #antioch #ancientruins #heritage #mosaic #mosaicart #ancient