The Roman Mosaic from Lod, Israel

First discovered in 1996 during construction on the Jerusalem–Tel Aviv highway in Lod (formerly Lydda), Israel, this large and impressive mosaic floor has only recently been uncovered and was displayed briefly in situ to the public in Israel during the summer of 2009. Believed to belong to a large house owned by a wealthy Roman in about A.D. 300, the mosaic comprises a large square panel with a central medallion depicting various exotic animals and two rectangular end panels, one of which represents a marine scene of fish and ships. The floor, which adorned a richly appointed audience room, is extremely well preserved and highly colorful. It has now been removed from the ground and is being first exhibited to the general public here at the Metropolitan Museum. The Lod Mosaic is on loan from the Israel Antiquities Authority and the Shelby White and Leon Levy Lod Mosaic Center.

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The exhibition is made possible by Diane Carol Brandt in memory of Ruth and Benjamin Brandt.

Additional support is provided by Dorothy and Lewis B. Cullman and The David Berg Foundation.