Archaeologists discover remarkably intact mosaic in southeastern Türkiye, revealing the artistic and cultural richness of ancient Dara.
Mardin, Türkiye — July 8, 2025
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By TurkNews.com Staff
A team of archaeologists has uncovered a 1,500-year-old Roman-era mosaic in the ancient city of Dara near Mardin, southeastern Türkiye. The remarkably intact mosaic—featuring wave and diamond motifs—was found in the agora, shedding new light on daily life in this Eastern Roman military and commercial outpost.
The mosaic, estimated to date back to the reign of Emperor Justinian I (circa 525–575 A.D.), was found near a cluster of Roman-era shops and a water system in Dara’s agora. Measuring approximately 50 square meters, it likely adorned the floor of a residential building. Officials say the piece remains largely untouched despite undergoing two to three repairs during antiquity.
Ayhan Gök, Director of the Mardin Directorate of Culture and Tourism, called the discovery “spectacular,” highlighting its preservation and intricate patterns. “We believe it served as a decorative floor in a Roman residence,” Gök said. “It’s an extraordinary find—uncovered after remaining untouched for 1,500 years.”
Dr. Devrim Hasan Menteşe, the site’s lead archaeologist, confirmed that excavations have been underway in Dara’s agora for five years. “This mosaic is one of the most complete we’ve found. It provides vital insight into the design and structure of Roman domestic life,” he said. A coin discovered nearby helped date the mosaic and connect it to Justinian’s rule.
Located in the village of Oğuz, about 30 km from Mardin, the ancient city of Dara was a critical frontier post of the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire. It was originally constructed to house up to 25,000 Roman troops defending against the Sasanian Empire. Over time, Dara developed into a thriving commercial, military, and religious hub in Mesopotamia.
The site has been under excavation for nearly 40 years and is now part of Türkiye’s “Heritage for the Future Project,” launched by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. The agora area has yielded nearly 20 shop units, workshops, and an advanced Roman-era water distribution system.
Despite summer heat and challenging conditions, archaeologists continue to uncover new chapters of Dara’s layered past. The newly unearthed mosaic adds to the site’s growing reputation as one of Türkiye’s most significant archaeological treasures, soon to become a centerpiece attraction for cultural tourism.