Rare Byzantine-era mosaic floor discovered in Gaza

Palestinians clean parts of a Byzantine-era mosaic floor at al-Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza Strip on Sept. 18, 2022. Palestinian farmer Suleiman al-Nabahin, 55, discovered the mosaic floor by chance when he was trying to plant trees on his land. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)

GAZA, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- A rare Byzantine-era mosaic floor, dating back to the 5th to the 7th century, was discovered by a Palestinian farmer in the Gaza Strip, local media reported Sunday.

Suleiman al-Nabahin, 55, made the discovery by chance when he was trying to plant new trees on his land, just about 800 meters away from the Israeli border, Sama News Agency reported,

Archaeological experts have described the unearthed mosaic floor, which includes 17 well-preserved images of animals and birds, as one of the greatest archaeological treasures in Gaza, according to media reports.

The Hamas-run Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities in Gaza said in a statement that the discovery is still in its infancy and "more of the secrets and civilization values" remain to be learned.

A Palestinian sweeps dust off parts of a Byzantine-era mosaic floor at al-Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza Strip on Sept. 18, 2022. Palestinian farmer Suleiman al-Nabahin, 55, discovered the mosaic floor by chance when he was trying to plant trees on his land. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)■