Funerary Mosaic Found in Northern Syria

Abstract

A mosaic was discovered in 2007, in a funerary chamber at Frykia village in northern Syria, by the excavation service of the Directorate of Antiquities and Museums of Syria. This mosaic presents an interesting scene consisting of two columns with a pair of animals facing each other next to a fruit tree. The study of the decor suggests that this mosaic belongs to the 6th century B.C. and that the iconographic theme is inspired by Isaiah 11:6 concerning the animal kingdom of peace and is rendered according to the Syrian tradition of mosaic art from the 6th century. The representation of this topic in a mosaic belonging to a funerary chamber has a significance, regarding the Christian interpretation of life after dead.

Keywords

• mosaic
• syria
• idleb
• funerary
• byzantine