Roman-era mosaic in Turkey may memorialize ancient pets

Archaeologists have unearthed a unique 1,800-year-old mosaic at the ruins of a Roman-era villa in the ancient city of Adramytteion on Turkey's Aegean coast. The discovery, located in the main reception area of a villa dating to the late second or third centuries AD, may serve as a memorial to the owner's pets.

The elaborate mosaic measures approximately 5 meters by 3.6 meters and features 15 panels depicting a variety of animals and mythological figures, including birds, fish, felines, Medusa, and Pegasus. Researchers believe the mosaic includes depictions of the owner's dog, Ocean, and cat, Emerald. The cat is specifically identified by a pale figure seated on a cushion with the Greek inscription “ΖΜΑΡΑΓΔΙΝ”, meaning “emerald”.

According to study author Hüseyin Murat Özgen, the mosaic utilized a rich polychrome palette of red, orange, black, white, blue, green, yellow, and burgundy tesserae. Such detailed works, often made from expensive materials like marble and colored glass, were used by wealthy Romans to display their social status and artistic taste.