Thirteen years after one of the most beautiful mosaics ever to be seen in the country was covered over, the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA), in cooperation with the municipality of Lod and its residents, is beginning an archaeological excavation that will re-expose the mosaic, once and for all. 

The 1,700 year old mosaic floor, which is one of the most magnificent and largest mosaics ever revealed in Israel, was first uncovered in the city of Lod in 1996. The mosaic is a real archaeological gem and extraordinarily well-preserved. It covers an area of approximately 180 square meters and is composed of colored carpets that depict in detail mammals, birds, fish, a variety of flora and the sailing and merchant ships that were used at the time. The purpose of the building in which the mosaic floor was placed is not known.

This impressive discovery, the product of an excavation that was directed by archaeologist Miriam Avissar, on behalf of the IAA prior to roadworks in Lod, caused a wave of excitement in Israel.  At the end of the excavation, the mosaic floor was covered in order to protect it from the damage and now, with funding available, the IAA will excavate, conserve and establish the Lod Mosaic Archaeological Center on the site.

The conservation and development of the site will boost tourism and help change the image of the city – the mosaic is located in the eastern part of Lod, next to the entrance to the city from Ginnaton Junction and is easily accessible from the country’s two main highways. The municipality, in conjunction with the IAA, plans to integrate it into a tourism circuit that will include a number of historic sites in the city.

Because of the need to conserve it, the mosaic must be removed from the area and taken to the IAA laboratories for the conservation work. The conservation and development work are scheduled to take approximately two years. During that period, and because of the rarity and exceptional quality of the find, a section of the mosaic will be sent on exhibit to the prestigious Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.