'Archaeological miracle': Construction workers stumble upon sixth-century mosaic in Jerusalem

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A 1,500-year-old mosaic floor with a Greek inscription has been uncovered during works to install communications cables in Jerusalem's Old City — a rare discovery of an ancient relic and an historic document in one. Key points: The mosaic was found among 'severely damaged' ancient remains

Archaeologists say the inscription dates it to AD 550/551

The mosaic has been removed and is being treated in a specialised workshop

The inscription cites sixth-century Roman emperor Justinian, under whose rule the Roman Empire finished converting to Christianity, as well as Constantine, who served as abbot of a church founded by Justinian in Jerusalem. Archaeologists believe it will help them to understand Justinian’s building projects in the city, the news agency Reuters said in a report on the discovery. The full inscription reads: “The most pious Roman emperor Flavius Justinian and the most 6God-loving priest and abbot, Constantine, erected the building in which (this mosaic) sat during the 14th indiction.”

Indiction is an ancient method of counting years that was used for taxation purposes. "The emperor was one the most important rulers of the Byzantine period, and was one of the most colourful and charismatic rulers of antiquity," said David Gellman, the director of the excavation. Constantine, the Orthodox priest who founded it, was abbot of the Nea Church, dedicated to the Virgin Mary and the largest church in Jerusalem when it was built in 543 AD. "The fact that the inscription survived is an archaeological miracle," David Gellman, director of the excavation on behalf of the Israel Antiquities Authority, said in a statement. “Every archaeologist dreams of finding an inscription in their excavations, especially one so well preserved and almost entirely intact.”

Researchers said they believe that the building of which the mosaic was once part, located beside the Old City’s Damascus Gate, was used as a hostel for pilgrims.
A 6th century mosaic dated from the rule of Justinian I is discovered while installing communication cables in Jerusalem's Old City.