Jerusalem with its many holy places probably had the highest concentration of mosaic-covered churches but very few of them survived the subsequent waves of destructions. The present remains do not do justice to the original richness of the city. The most important is the so-called "Armenian Mosaic" which was discovered in 1894 on the Street of the Prophets near Damascus Gate. It depicts a vine with many branches and grape clusters, which springs from a vase. Populating the vine's branches are peacocks, ducks, storks, pigeons, an eagle, a partridge, and a parrot in a cage. The inscription reads: "For the memory and salvation of all those Armenians whose name the Lord knows." Beneath a corner of the mosaic is a small, natural cave which contained human bones dating to the 5th or 6th centuries. The symbolism of the mosaic and the presence of the burial cave indicates that the room was used as a mortuary chapel. COUNT 5
QSN1 Which city had the highest percentage of mosaic covered churches? ANS1 Jerusalem QSN2 Where was the Armenian Mosaic found in Jerusalem? ANS2 near Damascus Gate QSN3 What type of plant is depicted in the Armenian Mosaic? ANS3 a vine with many branches QSN4 When was the Armenian Mosaic re-discovered? ANS4 1894 QSN5 What was the room under the Armenian Mosaic used for? ANS5 mortuary chapel