Gaza farmer finds Byzantine-era mosaic

International experts are expected to be brought in to complete the site's excavation

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

The floor includes 17 well-preserved images of animals and birds. AP

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

An ornate, Byzantine floor mosaic showing a variety of colourful birds and other animals has been discovered by chance in Gaza after a Palestinian farmer tried to plant new trees on his land.

Salman Al Nabahin unearthed the relic six months ago while working in his olive orchard in Bureij refugee camp, about a kilometre from the border with Israel.

Trying to figure out why some trees had not properly taken root, Mr Nabahin said he and his son began digging. Then his son's axe hit something hard and unfamiliar in appearance.

"I searched on the internet ... We learnt it was mosaic belonging to the Byzantine era," said the father of seven, sitting next to his discovery. "I see it as a treasure, dearer than a treasure. It isn't personal, it belongs to every Palestinian."

The Palestinian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities said the flooring included several mosaic panels depicting animals and other features of social life during the Byzantine era.

"The archaeological discovery is still in its early stages and we await to know more of the secrets and civilization values," the ministry said. "National research teams are working in partnership with international experts and scientists from the French Archaeology School."

Gaza is rich with antiquities, having been an important trading spot for civilisations dating as far back as the ancient Egyptians and the Philistines depicted in the Bible, through to the Roman Empire and the Crusades.

Several discoveries have been made in recent years. But due to a lack of funds and relevant professionals, Gaza has usually invited international groups to help with the process of excavation and preservation.