An extraordinary Roman mosaic, unearthed in eastern Türkiye, is being celebrated as the largest and most intricate hunting-themed mosaic ever discovered in the country.
The mosaic, uncovered near the village of Salkaya in Elazığ province, spans 84 square meters and depicts vivid scenes of wildlife in motion. Archaeologists date the artwork to the late third century, offering a glimpse into the artistry and cultural symbolism of the Roman Empire’s eastern frontier.
A Remarkable Discovery Beneath the Soil
The discovery came in April 2023 when local farmer Mehmet Emin Sualp was planting cherry saplings. He unearthed the mosaic just 50 cm below the surface and immediately contacted the Elazığ Archaeology and Ethnography Museum. By the end of the excavation season in 2024, the intricate artwork had been fully uncovered, remarkably preserved by a collapsed wooden roof that protected it for centuries.
Details of the Mosaic
The mosaic’s scenes follow a north-south axis, chronicling an intense hunt that captures the “eternal cycle of nature,” according to lead archaeologist Emre Çayır. Animals such as lions, bears, stags, and Anatolian leopards are depicted in dynamic moments of pursuit and predation. Birds including pheasants, geese, and partridges are shown at rest amid lush flora, including budding roses and pomegranate trees.
“The lion and bear symbolize authority in Roman tradition, while the hunting dogs remind us of humanity’s place within the food chain,” Çayır explained. The mosaic’s shading and fine details suggest it was created by skilled artisans, capturing lifelike muscle tension and intricate patterns.
A Glimpse Into Ancient Life
The mosaic was part of a larger Roman settlement that Çayır’s team is exploring. The site spans 600 square meters and includes evidence of a basalt road, irrigation systems, and what may have been facilities for winemaking. Coins and ceramics date the site’s occupation to 1,600–1,700 years ago, with signs of earlier habitation beneath.
Researchers believe the mosaic likely adorned a reception room or dining hall of a Roman official’s residence, perhaps a governor or military commander. “This was likely an expression of power and authority,” Çayır noted, linking it to Rome’s volatile frontier with the Sasanian Empire.
Preservation and Future Plans
Currently, efforts are underway to protect the mosaic from weather damage. Workers have erected a temporary shelter to safeguard it during the winter. Future plans for the mosaic’s display remain undecided. Provincial governor Numan Hatipoğlu has stated that the decision will depend on further discoveries. It may either be moved to the Elazığ Archaeology and Ethnography Museum or preserved in situ within a new on-site complex.
Cultural and Historical Significance
This find is significant not only for its size but also for its unique themes and craftsmanship. Unlike other mosaics in Türkiye, which often feature geometric patterns or mythological subjects, the Salkaya mosaic focuses on nature and the human connection to it. It reflects the artistry, metaphorical storytelling, and cultural context of the Roman Empire at its height.
The discovery has drawn attention to Türkiye’s rich archaeological heritage and offers insights into the lives and beliefs of those who inhabited the region nearly two millennia ago.
