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Ancient Mosaic Uncovered in Smyrna: A 1,500-Year-Old Masterpiece
2 Aug
Summary
- A 1,500-year-old mosaic was discovered during infrastructure work in ancient Smyrna.
- The artwork features a striking heart-shaped ivy leaf motif made of red tiles.
- Archaeologists believe the leaf symbolized loyalty, not modern concepts of love.
An ancient mosaic dating between the fourth and sixth centuries A.D. has been discovered in Smyrna, an archaeological site located in modern-day İzmir, Türkiye. The artwork, measuring approximately 16.4 by 8.2 feet, was revealed during recent infrastructure work. Archaeologists fully excavated the mosaic this year after its initial uncovering last year.
The mosaic features geometric and floral motifs, with a particularly striking element being a heart-shaped ivy leaf crafted from red tesserae. Experts suggest this symbol represented loyalty, a common theme in antiquity, rather than the modern association with love.
Further excavations also yielded artifacts from the late Ottoman Empire and early Turkish Republic, indicating the site was reused centuries later. Archaeologists noted minimal damage to the mosaic, suggesting it was consciously protected by later inhabitants, bringing the space back to life after 1,500 years.
