Farmer discovers ancient mosaic floor in Gaza - in pictures

  • A Byzantine-era mosaic floor has been discovered by Palestinian farmer Salman Al Nabahinin in Bureij in Gaza. AP
    A Byzantine-era mosaic floor has been discovered by Palestinian farmer Salman Al Nabahinin in Bureij in Gaza. AP
  • The farmer uncovered it last spring while planting an olive tree and spent several months excavating it with his son. AP
    The farmer uncovered it last spring while planting an olive tree and spent several months excavating it with his son. AP
  • Experts say the mosaic is one of Gaza's greatest archaeological treasures. AP
    Experts say the mosaic is one of Gaza's greatest archaeological treasures. AP
  • The floor includes 17 well-preserved images of animals and birds. AP
    The floor includes 17 well-preserved images of animals and birds. AP
  • The discovery has prompted calls to protect antiquities in Gaza that are put at risk by a lack of resources and the threat of conflict with Israel. AP
    The discovery has prompted calls to protect antiquities in Gaza that are put at risk by a lack of resources and the threat of conflict with Israel. AP
  • The images on the mosaic floor are well preserved. AP
    The images on the mosaic floor are well preserved. AP
  • The excavation site in Bureij in the central Gaza Strip. AP
    The excavation site in Bureij in the central Gaza Strip. AP
  • The mosaic is in amazing condition after being buried for centuries. AFP
    The mosaic is in amazing condition after being buried for centuries. AFP
  • Mr Al Nabahin cleans a section of the mosaic with a brush. AFP
    Mr Al Nabahin cleans a section of the mosaic with a brush. AFP
  • The site also contains handfuls of tesserae from broken pieces of flooring. AFP
    The site also contains handfuls of tesserae from broken pieces of flooring. AFP