First ancient mosaic discovered in Izmir in 70 years

Late Roman mosaic floors were discovered in the ancient city of Smyrna (now the center of Izmir, Turkey). It is the first mosaic floor found at the site in 70 years. Its history dates back to the 4th-6th centuries AD

Measuring approximately 10 x 13 feet, it has two main sections, consisting of a central hexagonal panel flanked by five square panels and one rectangular panel on each side. The spaces between the squares are filled with triangular panels. Each panel contains a different geometric and abstract plant design.

The central hexagonal panel contains Solomon’s Knot (two interlocking ovals). The square panel contains a flower with four pointed petals. Triangular panels contain small solid triangles. The rectangle contains a smaller rectangle that ends up looking like a thick line. The same network of six panels is repeated in mirrored form around a central hexagon, separated by a column, the top of the hexagon contains an eight-petaled flower and another four-petaled flower in the square, with a two-headed ax design within the trapezoidal panel.

The central hexagonal panel on the other side of the room is damaged, but the curved ends of the shape remain and appear to be Solomon’s Knot as well. A border of simple guilloche pattern runs along the perimeter of the long and short sides of the mosaic.

The excavation team interpreted Solomon’s Knot as a symbol of protection. In ancient times, it was believed that such patterns warded off envy, envy, and harmful glances, often referred to today as the “evil eye.” Ursoy explains that conservation signs are often placed at entrances or on the floor to protect the space and its users.

A small cross pattern is also found around the central knot. These elements reflect the decorative traditions later associated with monotheism, while still bearing early symbolism. Taken together, the patterns suggest a layered belief system aimed at spiritual protection rather than pure decoration.

I’m not sure about this explanation. The four-petaled flower is not really a cross, and Solomon’s knot is a very common pattern in the geometrically dense mosaics of late antiquity, which are mostly spread throughout rather than concentrated at the entrance. For example, check out the stunning explosion of color and pattern on the largest mosaic floor in Anatolia. There are hundreds of Solomon’s Knots in one of the rooms alone, covering the floor to the walls, and many more can be found on other floors.

The newly unearthed floors emerged during excavations in the North Market Street area of ​​the city. This was one of the most important streets of ancient Smyrna, lined with private and public buildings. Archaeologists have not determined the structure type of the mosaic.

Remains of later wall plaster suggest that the floor was reused in hospitals or private homes known in the area during the 19th century. The mosaics were uncovered and then integrated into the new building.

The entire floor has yet to be uncovered. From the photos, it looks like there’s a wall interrupting the long side of one side. Excavations will continue this year and archaeologists hope to uncover more ancient structures and mosaics.