Imagine the thrill of unearthing three ancient Greek mosaics dating back 2220 years ago, in the pristine condition, there’s nothing like it…

In 2014, the three new mosaics have been discovered, dated 2nd Century BC, but incredibly well-preserved and look as beautiful and stunning as the first day. Professor Kutalmìs Görkay of Ankara University and his team of archeologists discovered three ancient greek mosaics in ancient city of Zeugma near the border of Syria.

Zeugma founded in 300 BC by Seleucus I Nicator; one of generals of Alexander the Great, who named city after himself. City was sacked by Romans in 64 BC who changed name to Zeugma. City constantly between controlling nations and thus architecture is influenced by many cultures.

In 2007, Zeugma was expecting a flood due to constructions of a dam. Archeologist team feared that they vould lose the ancient treasures of Zeugma to this flood and immediately began their expeditions. Upon their search for ancient treasures, they stumbled upon three ancient greek mosaics elonging to 2nd Century BC. Mosaics shockingly, were uncovered in almost pristine condition. Although, Zeugma city is now 80% underwater, team continues their searches in hopes of unveiling hidden artifacts.

These mosaics depict scenes from Greek and Greco-Roman mythologies. All mosaics are constructed of colored glass and served as floors of a building that archaeologists have dubbed House of Muses. The mosaic of the Nine Muses: Clio, Euterpe, above, Oceanus Thalia, Melpomene, Terpsichore, Erato, Polymnia, Ourania and Calliope.

First depicts Nine Muses – goddesses of the inspiration of literature, science and arts. Muse Calliope is in center of the mosaic.

Second mosaic depicts Ocean – divine personification of sea and his sister Tethys.

Third, smaller in size mosaic, depicts a young man.

Back in the renaissance days, the Nine muses were an inspiration to artists since they were the first ones to discover many art forms. Many artists did art works on the nine Muse as a dedication and recognition of their importance. Pictured the divine personification of the sea and his sister, Tethys the embodiment of the waters of the world.

According to the Professor Görkay, back in 2nd Century BC, many homes had mosaics in them. Mosaics in homes held a social aspect. Guests often times would admire the works of arts while drinking and chatting with the home OWners. Subject matters were taken into consideration and put into specific rooms; e.g, a bedroom perhaps may have a mosaic that portrayed lovers such as Eros and Telete. The mosaic Thalia-the muse of comedy and idyllic poetry is beautifully intact.

Experts commented on Thalia’s face saying how the mosaic required special pieces of glass that is used specifically for this mosaic’s face alone. The mosaic of Thalia is vivid as it is aesthetically pleasing. A wonder piece of art discovered by the archeologists. In the mosaic above, a well known Greek God, Poseidon-God of the sea. For a litle history about the city of Zeugma, back in the early BCs, the city was very important due to its location. The city being geographically located on the borders between Greco-Roman world and the Persian Empire, it acted as a bridge which everyone had to cross. Eventually as Roman empire started to decline, so did the Zeugma city. As Zeugma finally fell in 253 AD, when Sassanids from Persia attacked the city, the city has been forgotten until the recent expeditions unveiling the buried treasures.

Zeugma House of Museums

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