Geometric and plant motifs uncovered in a roughly 1,500-year-old mosaic at the ancient city of Smyrna located in Izmir, western Türkiye, are offering new insight into how people in late antiquity understood love, loyalty, sanctity and protection.
Archaeological work continues in the “Mosaic Room” discovered last year on the North Street of the Agora during excavations at Smyrna, part of Türkiye’s “Heritage for the Future Project” led by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
The mosaic floor, found during infrastructure work in the ancient city, measures about 5 by 2.5 meters (16.4 by 8.2 feet) and features intricate designs made up of interlocking 12-sided panels.
Alongside triangles, squares and other geometric arrangements, the mosaic also includes plant-based motifs, including a striking heart-shaped ivy leaf.
Mosaics uncovered during excavations at the ancient city of Smyrna, featuring geometric patterns alongside various plant motifs, including a heart-shaped ivy leaf, Izmir, Türkiye, June 27, 2026. (AA Photo)
