Ancient mosaic returns to Israel after a world tour
STORY: Location: Lod, Israel
This 1,700 year-old Roman floor
mosaic is returning to Israel
after a decade-long tour of some
of the world's top museums
[Hagit Torge, Israel Antiquities Authority]:
"What we see here is basically a typical villa from the 3rd and 4th centuries (CE). The owner was probably a very rich merchant because he travelled throughout the world and he saw things, like all the ships and the fish and other animals on display in the mosaic."
The mosaic was found in a Tel Aviv
suburb during highway construction
and is exceptionally well preserved
Authorities believe it may have
served as the foyer floor of a mansion