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New 120 sq. meter mosaic containing Bible verses found in southern Turkey

A new 120 square meter Byzantine mosaic dating back to the 5-6th century C.E. containing a Bible verse in Greek as well as depictions of various animals living together in peace was discovered at an archeological dig in Turkey’s southern province of Adana, BGN News reports.

The mosaic depicts 16 wild and domesticated animals – including a wolf, sheep, leopard, goat, bull, lion, bear and snake – peacefully living together, sleeping side by side, sharing food and grazing.

The depiction of traditionally antagonistic animals co-existing peacefully is accompanied by a Bible verse written in Greek, Isaiah 65:25 – “The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the bullock: and dust shall be the serpent’s meat. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, saith the Lord.”

The 15 meter by 8 meter mosaic was recently discovered at an archeological dig on private property being conducted by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism’s Cultural Assets Directorate and the Adana Museums Directorate in the Karlık neighborhood of Adana’s Sarıçam district.

The mosaic has been moved for further study to the laboratory department at the 10,000 square meter museum complex being established at Adana’s historic National Textile Factory. Following restoration, the mosaic will be transferred for display to the new museum.

 

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