Archaeologists have uncovered a remarkably preserved 1,500-year-old mosaic in the ancient city of Smyrna in modern-day İzmir, Turkey, one of the seven churches addressed by Jesus in the Book of Revelation.
The mosaic was discovered during infrastructure work at the archaeological site and dates to between the fourth and sixth centuries A.D., according to reporting by Fox News. Excavators fully uncovered the artwork this year after it was first identified during earlier work.
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The colorful mosaic features geometric patterns, floral designs and a striking heart-shaped ivy leaf crafted from red tesserae. While the symbol resembles the modern heart, excavation director Akın Ersoy said it carried a different meaning in antiquity.
“The ivy leaf clings to trees and walls,” Ersoy told Anadolu Agency, as quoted by Fox News. “It came to symbolize loyalty and has been used from antiquity through the centuries.”
Ersoy also said later generations appear to have intentionally protected the ancient artwork.
“We can say that the people of that period consciously protected it because there is very little damage,” he said.
Researchers believe an Ottoman-era structure built over the site in the 19th century helped preserve the mosaic by shielding it from destruction. Archaeologists also uncovered bags, cooking pots and earthenware vessels from the late Ottoman Empire and the early Turkish Republic, showing the location remained in use roughly 1,500 years after the mosaic was first laid.
“The space was brought back to life after 1,500 years,” Ersoy said.
The discovery adds to a growing list of significant archaeological finds in cities mentioned in Revelation. Recent excavations have also revealed a massive Roman council hall in Laodicea and Roman-era artifacts in Ephesus, continuing to shed new light on the history of the early Christian world.
James Lasher, a seasoned writer and editor at Charisma Media, combines faith and storytelling with a journalism background from Otterbein University and ministry experience in Guatemala and at the LA Dream Center. A Marine Corps and Air Force veteran, he is the author of The Revelation of Jesus: A Common Man’s Commentary and a contributor to Charisma magazine. For interviews and media inquiries, please contact [email protected].
