A Late Antique floor mosaic bearing a Greek inscription was uncovered in Hatay during excavation work on the site of a building that collapsed in the Feb. 6, 2023 earthquakes.
The three‑story building in Antakya’s Maşuklu neighborhood was demolished in the quake.
After the debris was cleared, construction began on a new structure, but workers halted digging when they struck a mosaic surface.
A rescue excavation led by the Hatay Archaeology Museum began in March.
Archaeologists later identified mosaics in three separate areas of the site.
The main find — a 17.5‑meter‑long geometric floor mosaic dated to the 5th–6th centuries AD — was uncovered after months of work. The piece includes a Greek inscription and is preserved as a single slab.
Archaeologist Ozan Demir said two archaeologists and eight workers are continuing to remove architectural remains from the area.
He said the mosaic shows signs of repairs from its original period and is expected to be transferred to the museum in 2026. Its size and craftsmanship suggest it belonged to a high‑status residence, he added.
Archaeologists will next examine two additional mosaic sections found nearby.
Mert Nalbantoğlu, another member of the team, said the mosaic’s excellent preservation and inscription make it particularly significant.