A stunning late Roman-era mosaic featuring rare Anatolian leopard and other hunting scenes may be the first of its kind to survive intact in Türkiye.
A farmer planting an orchard in eastern Türkiye has uncovered a rare, largely intact mosaic dating back to the late Roman period, offering a glimpse into ancient hunting practices.
Experts say the mosaic, spanning 84 square metres and which includes dramatic depictions of animals such as a rare Anatolian leopard, may be the largest of its kind ever discovered in the country.
The mosaic “is the first of its kind to have survived to the present day as a whole and in its portrayal of animals, all of which were once found here. There may be larger mosaics elsewhere in Türkiye, but those consist of geometric patterns or mythological subjects,” Emre Çayır, the lead archaeologist at the excavation, which is overseen by the state Archaeology and Ethnography Museum of Elazığ, told The Art Newspaper.
The mosaic, unearthed in April 2023 by Mehmet Emin Sualp in the village of Salkaya, shows an array of hunting scenes: a lion chases a mountain goat, a bear pursues a stag, and greyhounds corner a wild boar. In one striking image, an Anatolian leopard sinks its teeth into an ostrich’s neck. Between these fierce pursuits, serene birds like pheasants, ducks, and geese stand alongside blooming roses and pomegranate trees, offering a peaceful contrast.
“The lion and bear represent authority in Roman tradition, and the depiction of hunting dogs reminds us that humans are part of the food chain, [showing how] the craftsmen used metaphor to convey these ideas,” said Çayır.
Sualp discovered the mosaic while digging holes for cherry saplings. Initially buried beneath just 50cm of loose soil, the mosaic had been hidden for centuries, possibly since the late third century, in a settlement near Salkaya, 500km east of Ankara. The discovery has sparked excitement among archaeologists, who believe the site was once a thriving settlement, possibly linked to the Roman Empire’s frontier with ancient Persia.
Çayır speculated that the mosaic may have been part of a Roman official’s residence: “an expression of power”.
Despite centuries of upheaval, the tiles survived largely intact, preserved in part by a collapsed wooden roof. Archaeologists have also uncovered other structures, including a basalt road, an irrigation channel, and a potential winemaking facility. Coins found at the site suggest it was in use during the late Roman to early Byzantine period.
A team of conservators has been working to protect the mosaic, which is now covered to shield it from winter weather. The Turkish authorities have not yet decided whether to move the mosaic to a museum or to create a protective site at the location itself – this decision will depend on what more is uncovered, according to provincial governor Numan Hatipoğlu.
The discovery marks an exciting moment for Türkiye’s archaeological community, offering an unprecedented look at the culture and art of a long-lost civilisation. As more artefacts emerge, the ancient settlement may reveal even more about the daily life and power structures of the region during the Roman era.
