Palestinian farmer discovers ancient mosaic floor

Discovery prompts calls for better protection of antiquities in Gaza

A Byzantine-era mosaic floor has been discovered by Palestinian farmer Salman Al Nabahinin in Bureij in Gaza. AP

The farmer uncovered it last spring while planting an olive tree and spent several months excavating it with his son. AP

Experts say the mosaic is one of Gaza's greatest archaeological treasures. AP

A detail of parts of a Byzantine-era mosaic floor that was uncovered recently by a Palestinian farmer in Bureij in central Gaza Strip, Sept. 5, 2022. The man says he stumbled upon it while planting an olive tree last spring and quietly excavated it over several months with his son. Experts say the discovery of the mosaic — which includes 17 well-preserved images of animals and birds — is one of Gaza's greatest archaeological treasures. They say it's drawing attention to the need to protect Gaza's antiquities, which are threatened by a lack of resources and the constant threat of fighting with Israel. (AP Photo / Fatima Shbair)

The discovery has prompted calls to protect antiquities in Gaza that are put at risk by a lack of resources and the threat of conflict with Israel. AP

The images on the mosaic floor are well preserved. AP

The excavation site in Bureij in the central Gaza Strip. AP

The mosaic is in amazing condition after being buried for centuries. AFP

Mr Al Nabahin cleans a section of the mosaic with a brush. AFP

The site also contains handfuls of tesserae from broken pieces of flooring. AFP

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