07.06.2025 22:20
A 1500-year-old floor mosaic from the Late Roman Period was discovered during infrastructure works in the ancient city of Germanicia in Kahramanmaraş. The Ministry of Culture and Tourism announced that the registration process for the mosaic has been initiated.
During the infrastructure work carried out within the borders of the Germanicia Ancient City in Kahramanmaraş, a floor mosaic from the Late Roman Period was found. The Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism announced that the registration process for the approximately 1500-year-old mosaic has been initiated.
1500-YEAR-OLD MOSAIC FOUND
During the infrastructure works carried out as part of the earthquake improvement and reconstruction project on Tevfik Kadıoğlu Boulevard in the Bağlarbaşı neighborhood, workers discovered a floor mosaic from the Late Roman Period. Upon the workers' notification, a team of experts was sent to the area by the Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism. After the examination conducted by the expert team, the mosaic, which is stated to be approximately 1500 years old, was covered.
In a statement made by the Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism regarding the issue, it was noted that necessary precautions were taken to prevent damage to the mosaic, and it was stated: "The cultural asset in question has been documented and photographed by expert teams. The mosaic has been secured by covering it with geotextile material and a layer of fine sand to protect it from environmental effects. No concrete, asphalt, or any similar material has been poured over the area.
The registration process related to the identified mosaic has been initiated, and the matter has been promptly reported to the Gaziantep Regional Board for the Protection of Cultural Assets. Necessary protection and processing procedures will be carried out following the evaluation by the board. This meticulous work carried out to protect our cultural heritage and pass it on to future generations is respectfully presented to the public.
ANTIQUITY REVEALED BY ILLEGAL EXCAVATION
The area where the floor mosaic was found is located within the borders of the Germanicia Ancient City. The Germanicia Ancient City was revealed during an illegal excavation in the Bağlarbaşı neighborhood in 2007, when floor mosaics were discovered. After the first concrete evidence of the Germanicia Ancient City, which has been mentioned for years, was found, efforts were initiated to uncover the ancient city, and in 2018, an area of 140 square meters was opened to visitors.
Excavation works conducted so far regarding the Germanicia Ancient City, founded in the 1st century A.D., have reached mosaics and remains from the 4th and 6th centuries A.D.