2,200-Year-Old Mosaics Uncovered in Ancient Greek City

In the ancient Greek city, Zeugma, now part of modern-day Turkey, unbelievably well-preserved mosaics dating back to the 2nd century BC have been discovered. The site caught the world’s eye when it was threatened by flooding due to a dam project in southern Turkey back in 2000. Zeugma, originally named ‘Seleucia’ by the Greeks, was once a city of about 3,000 houses — today, 25 of them have been submerged underwater. While Professor Görkay and his excavation team were digging up rock-carved houses, they uncovered stunning portraits in glass mosaics still popping with rich colors and complex patterns — 2,200 years old. Mosaics use small pieces of colored stone or glass to depict scenes from mythology, daily life, or patterns. In his designs, IASON ROUVAS uses geometric shapes and channels characters from Greek mythology. Made with precious metals, and delicate enamel work, each of his pieces blends a timelessness with a fresh touch of heritage and culture.

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