Farmer Discovers ‘Exceptional’ Byzantine-Era Mosaic in Gaza Featuring Beasts, Birds, Stunning Geometry

Farmer Discovers ‘Exceptional’ Byzantine-Era Mosaic in Gaza Featuring Beasts, Birds, Stunning Geometry
Fatima Shbair/AP Photo
The Associated Press
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Last spring, a Palestinian farmer was planting a new olive tree when his shovel hit a hard object. He called his son, and for three months, the pair slowly excavated an ornate Byzantine-era mosaic that experts say is one of the greatest archaeological treasures ever found in Gaza.

The discovery has set off excitement among archaeologists, and the territory’s Hamas rulers are planning a major announcement in the coming days.