A 1,600-year-old mosaic pavement that was uncovered recently in Yavne, in central Israel, will be placed on display at the city’s cultural center. The project is a joint initiative of the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA), the Yavne Municipality, and the Israel Land Authority.

The flooring dates to the Byzantine period (4th to 5th century C.E.) and was discovered during large-scale excavations launched ahead of the development of a new neighborhood in the ancient city.

IAA archaeologists Elie Haddad and Hagit Torgë said that they initially believed the flooring to be “simple white mosaic paving belonging to yet another industrial installation,” but once they treated it with acid to remove its patina coat, “a colorful mosaic carpet was revealed, ornamented with geometric motifs. The well-preserved flooring “may have been part of a splendid residential building in a wealthy neighborhood,” they said.