Restored mosaic goes on display at Hisham's Palace in Jericho - in pictures

  • The recently restored mosaic at Hisham's Palace, an early Islamic archaeological site near the West Bank city of Jericho. EPA
    The recently restored mosaic at Hisham's Palace, an early Islamic archaeological site near the West Bank city of Jericho. EPA
  • It is one of the largest mosaic panels in the world. AFP
    It is one of the largest mosaic panels in the world. AFP
  • The restoration work took many years to complete. AFP
    The restoration work took many years to complete. AFP
  • The mosaic opened to the public on October 25. Reuters
    The mosaic opened to the public on October 25. Reuters
  • A dome was built to protect the site. Reuters
    A dome was built to protect the site. Reuters
  • Hisham's Palace is an important early Islamic archaeological site of the Umayyad dynasty from the first half of the 8th century. Reuters
    Hisham's Palace is an important early Islamic archaeological site of the Umayyad dynasty from the first half of the 8th century. Reuters
  • It is often referred to as a desert castle. Reuters
    It is often referred to as a desert castle. Reuters
  • The mosaic covers 836 sq metres. AFP
    The mosaic covers 836 sq metres. AFP
  • Visitors roam the site of the 7th century mosaic. AP
    Visitors roam the site of the 7th century mosaic. AP
  • The mosaic features numerous images on dozens of panels. They include a lion attacking a deer to symbolise war. AP
    The mosaic features numerous images on dozens of panels. They include a lion attacking a deer to symbolise war. AP
  • Two gazelles symbolise peace. AP
    Two gazelles symbolise peace. AP
  • Numerous floral and geometric designs also adorn the site. AP
    Numerous floral and geometric designs also adorn the site. AP
  • The palace had lain forgotten for centuries until it was rediscovered in the 19th century. EPA
    The palace had lain forgotten for centuries until it was rediscovered in the 19th century. EPA