Ancient mosaics found in Tarsus to move into museum

MERSİN - Anadolu Agency

Floor mosaics with human figures were found last year in the ancient city. AA photo

The mosaics from an ancient Roman city that were revealed last year during the construction of a district bazaar in the southern district of Tarsus will soon be moved to a museum for protection, according to officials.

“During the final excavations in the historic area, we found floor mosaics with human figures. We will move these mosaics to the Tarsus Museum,” said Tarsus District Gov. Hasan Göç.

The official said the ancient city, had many earthen pots, medical tools, sculptured figures and oil lamps. 

He also said the excavation works had revealed a 52-meter-long and four-meter-high water storage system, as well as an ancient fountain and pool. 

Göç said the scientific excavation works were still continuing. “After the revelation of a Roman cistern, the Tarsus Museum directorate began work with the support of the Culture and Tourism Ministry. As part of the rescue excavations, a floor mosaic was found in the eastern part of the cistern. The mosaic has a sundial figure and is believed to be a palace bath from the Roman era.”