A New Mosaic Unearthed by an Illicit Excavation in Alasehir (Philadelphia)

Abstract

Mosaic floor in Alaşehir (Manisa) was unearthed in an illicit excavation. In the ruins which seem to be of a monumental building, two rooms with floor mosaic and a cellar can partly be followed. The building continues underneath the modern constructions around. Therefore the general limits of the building and its function can be clarified after possible future excavations. Geometric, floral and figurative scenes are seen on the floors of the both rooms which are numbered as 1 and 2. The floor mosaic of the room Nr.1 consists of three panels. In the panels besides geometric and floral designs, there are representations of “Seasons”, “Okeanos and Tethys”. In the room Nr. 2 which is a bit smaller, the traces of repair on the mosaic panel calls our attention. The color, design and style difference points out two different periods. In this study our aim is to present the building with mosaic of which only a small part could be recovered today and also compare it with its contemporary examples.

Keywords

• alaşehir/philadelphia
• okeanos
• tethys
• dionysos
• silenos
• seasons mosaic