Ancient Mosaic Over 1,600 Years Old Unveiled for the First Time in Western Negev

In the northwestern Negev, the 1,600-year-old Be’er Shema mosaic has been revealed to the public for the very first time. Originating from the Byzantine era (324–638 CE), the mosaic has undergone extensive conservation work and will now be permanently exhibited at the Merhavim Regional Council headquarters.

The mosaic was initially found in 1990, tucked away within a monastery close to Kibbutz Urim and the Gaza Strip. Filled with intricate details and vivid colors, the artwork is mainly centered around 55 medallions, each featuring unique designs such as mythological representations, scenes from everyday life, exotic creatures, and fruit baskets. According to the archaeological team, these images are assembled using tiny stones, glass, and pottery, showcasing the artifact’s exceptional artistry. Even Shaike Lender, the principal archaeologist during the site’s inaugural excavation, asserts that the mosaic was crafted by a “genuine artist.” Nevertheless, it inevitably suffered deterioration over the past millennium.

“Over time, the condition of the mosaic floor’s preservation has declined. In light of this, it was rediscovered, treated, reinforced, and relocated from its original site to the Merhavim council compound,” said Ami Shahar, head of the Conservation Department at the Israel Antiquities Authority, in a statement. “Now, it is safeguarded from agricultural and developmental activities and is at last being showcased to the public.”

Alongside the Be’er Shema mosaic, the monastery also featured a wine press and storage areas filled with jars, implying that the monastic community may have produced and sold wine for self-sustainability. Indeed, Horbat Be’er Shema, the town where the monastery is situated, once acted as a resting place along an ancient trade route linking Halutza in the Negev Desert to the port of Gaza.

“This mosaic is a living record of life in the Negev 1,500 years ago,” declared Shai Hajaj, the Head of Merhavim Regional Council, during the unveiling ceremony on Sunday, May 25. “It will become a central point for education and tourism, linking our history with the present and future.”

Eli Escusido, the director of the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA), remarked: “This location will function as an open archaeological garden with informative signage and visitor amenities, highlighting this crucial area.”

To find out more about the mosaic, visit the Israel Antiquities Authority website.