Turkey: Byzantine Mosaics in Urfa
Turkey: Byzantine mosaics in Urfa
During excavations in the center of the southeastern Turkish town Sanliurfa (also called Urfa) splendid early Byzantine mosaics were discovered between 2006 and 2008.The floor mosaics cover 12 rooms in a villa that probably belonged to an important bureaucrat of the Eastern Roman Empire in the 5th and 6th century AD. Depicted are mythological scenes such as the life of Achilles and Amazon warriors hunting wild animals. The tesserae used for the mosaics are very small, which shows that the workmanship was excellent. Urfa was called Edessa in the antique period and was founded in 303 BC as a colony by the Seleucid Kingdom. In 132 BC it became the capital of the independent Osroene kingdom, which was annexed by the Roman Empire in the second century AD.
Melanippe, Amazon in Byzantine mosaic in Urfa.
[TURKEY.EAST 29272] Wearing a Phrygian cap and red robe, the Amazon Melanippe is thrusting her lance towards a lion (not in picture) in a mosaic floor that depicts a hunting scene. The warrior queen from Greek Mythology is typically represented with one breast, as the other one has been removed to prevent it getting in the way in battle. The 5/6 th century mosaic can be found in the "Villa of the Amazons", a palatial house, that probably belonged to an important administrator of the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire, who lived in Edessa (nowadays called Urfa). The remains of the villa were discovered in 2006 near the center of Urfa. Photo Mick Palarczyk.
Melanippe, Amazon in Byzantine mosaic in Urfa.
[TURKEY.EAST 29273] Wearing a Phrygian cap and red robe, the Amazon Melanippe is thrusting her lance towards a lion (not in picture) in a mosaic floor that depicts a hunting scene. The warrior queen from Greek Mythology is typically represented with one breast, as the other one has been removed to prevent it getting in the way in battle. The 5/6 th century mosaic can be found in the "Villa of the Amazons", a palatial house, that probably belonged to an important administrator of the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire, who lived in Edessa (nowadays called Urfa). The remains of the villa were discovered in 2006 near the center of Urfa. Photo Mick Palarczyk.
Melanippe, Amazon in Byzantine mosaic in Urfa.
[TURKEY.EAST 29275] Wearing a Phrygian cap, the Amazon Melanippe is part of a large hunting scene with several animals and other Amazons. The warrior queen from Greek Mythology is typically represented with one breast, as the other one has been removed to prevent it getting in the way in battle. The 5/6 th century floor mosaic can be found in the "Villa of the Amazons", a palatial house, that probably belonged to an important administrator of the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire, who lived in Edessa (nowadays called Urfa). The remains of the villa were discovered in 2006 near the center of Urfa. Photo Mick Palarczyk.
Antiope, Amazon in Byzantine mosaic in Urfa.
[TURKEY.EAST 29270] Wearing a Phrygian cap, the Amazon Antiope (a warrior queen in Greek Mythology) is part of a large hunting scene with several animals and other Amazons. The 5/6 th century floor mosaic can be found in the "Villa of the Amazons", a palatial house, that probably belonged to an important administrator of the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire, who lived in Edessa (nowadays called Urfa). The remains of the villa were discovered in 2006 near the center of Urfa. Photo Mick Palarczyk.
Wounded lion in Byzantine mosaic in Urfa.
[TURKEY.EAST 29277] In a hunting scene, a lion is bleeding from a wound in the neck, inflicted by the Amazon Melanippe. The 5/6 th century floor mosaic can be found in the "Villa of the Amazons", a palatial house, that probably belonged to an important administrator of the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire, who lived in Edessa (nowadays called Urfa). The remains of the villa were discovered in 2006 near the center of Urfa. Photo Mick Palarczyk.
Partridge in Byzantine mosaic in Urfa.
[TURKEY.EAST 29279] A partridge standing on a rock is part of a large hunting scene with several animals and Amazons. The 5/6 th century floor mosaic can be found in the "Villa of the Amazons", a palatial house, that probably belonged to an important administrator of the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire, who lived in Edessa (nowadays called Urfa). The remains of the villa were discovered in 2006 near the center of Urfa. Photo Mick Palarczyk.
Black man and zebra in Byzantine mosaic in Urfa.
[TURKEY.EAST 29285] Tesserae (mosaic stones) made of rocks from the riverbed of the Euphrates were used to depict a black man leading a zebra. The 5/6 th century floor mosaic can be found in the "Villa of the Amazons", a palatial house, that probably belonged to an important administrator of the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire, who lived in Edessa (nowadays called Urfa). The remains of the villa were discovered in 2006 near the center of Urfa, which is located 45 km south of the Euphrates. Photo Mick Palarczyk.
Penthesilea, Amazon in Byzantine mosaic in Urfa.
[TURKEY.EAST 29281] Wearing a Phrygian cap, the Amazon Penthesilea (a warrior queen in Greek Mythology) is about to send an arrow in a hunting scene with several animals and Amazons. The 5/6 th century floor mosaic can be found in the "Villa of the Amazons", a palatial house, that probably belonged to an important administrator of the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire, who lived in Edessa (nowadays called Urfa). The remains of the villa were discovered in 2006 near the center of Urfa. Photo Mick Palarczyk.
Penthesilea, Amazon in Byzantine mosaic in Urfa.
[TURKEY.EAST 29283] Wearing a Phrygian cap, the Amazon Penthesilea (a warrior queen in Greek Mythology) is about to send an arrow in a hunting scene with several animals and Amazons. The 5/6 th century floor mosaic can be found in the "Villa of the Amazons", a palatial house, that probably belonged to an important administrator of the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire, who lived in Edessa (nowadays called Urfa). The remains of the villa were discovered in 2006 near the center of Urfa. Photo Mick Palarczyk.
Goddess Ktisis in Byzantine mosaic in Urfa.
[TURKEY.EAST 29287] Ktisis, goddess of the foundation of buildings and cities, and personification of generosity and donation is depicted here holding a measuring rod. The 5/6 th century floor mosaic can be found in the "Villa of the Amazons", a palatial house, that probably belonged to an important administrator of the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire, who lived in Edessa (nowadays called Urfa). The remains of the villa were discovered in 2006 near the center of Urfa. Photo Mick Palarczyk.
Centaur in Byzantine mosaic in Urfa.
[TURKEY.EAST 29289] A large mosaic in the ancient town of Edessa shows several scenes from the life of the Greek warrior Achilles. Here we see the wise centaur Chiron who is said to have educated the young Achilles. The 5/6 th century floor mosaic can be found in the "Villa of the Amazons", a palatial house, that probably belonged to an important administrator of the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire, who lived in Edessa (nowadays called Urfa). The remains of the villa were discovered in 2006 near the center of Urfa. Photo Mick Palarczyk.
Centaur in Byzantine mosaic in Urfa.
[TURKEY.EAST 29291] A large mosaic in the ancient town of Edessa shows several scenes from the life of the Greek warrior Achilles. Here we see the wise centaur Chiron who is said to have educated the young Achilles. The 5/6 th century floor mosaic can be found in the "Villa of the Amazons", a palatial house, that probably belonged to an important administrator of the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire, who lived in Edessa (nowadays called Urfa). The remains of the villa were discovered in 2006 near the center of Urfa. Photo Mick Palarczyk.
Achilles' mother in Byzantine mosaic in Urfa.
[TURKEY.EAST 29293] A large mosaic in the ancient town of Edessa shows several scenes from the life of the Greek warrior Achilles. This detail shows Thetis, the sea-goddess who was Achilles' mother, dipping the infant in a bowl of Styx water, making him invulnerable. Only the heel, by which she was holding him, was not touched by the sacred water and this will ensure Achilles' death when he is hit in the foot by a poisoned arrow during the Troyan War. The 5/6 th century floor mosaic can be found in the "Villa of the Amazons", a palatial house, that probably belonged to an important administrator of the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire, who lived in Edessa (nowadays called Urfa). The remains of the villa were discovered in 2006 near the center of Urfa. Photo Mick Palarczyk.
Melanippe, Amazon in Byzantine mosaic in Urfa.
[TURKEY.EAST 29271] Wearing a Phrygian cap and red robe, the Amazon Melanippe is thrusting her lance towards a lion (not in picture) in a mosaic floor that depicts a hunting scene. The warrior queen from Greek Mythology is typically represented with one breast, as the other one has been removed to prevent it getting in the way in battle. In the upper right corner a panther is stabbed in the neck by another Amazon. The 5/6 th century mosaic can be found in the "Villa of the Amazons", a palatial house, that probably belonged to an important administrator of the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire, who lived in Edessa (nowadays called Urfa). The remains of the villa were discovered in 2006 near the center of Urfa. Photo Mick Palarczyk.
Melanippe, Amazon in Byzantine mosaic in Urfa.
[TURKEY.EAST 29274] Wearing a Phrygian cap, the Amazon Melanippe is part of a large hunting scene with several animals and other Amazons. The warrior queen from Greek Mythology is typically represented with one breast, as the other one has been removed to prevent it getting in the way in battle. The 5/6 th century floor mosaic can be found in the "Villa of the Amazons", a palatial house, that probably belonged to an important administrator of the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire, who lived in Edessa (nowadays called Urfa). The remains of the villa were discovered in 2006 near the center of Urfa. Photo Mick Palarczyk.
Hippolyte, Amazon in Byzantine mosaic in Urfa.
[TURKEY.EAST 29269] Wearing a Phrygian cap, the Amazon Hippolyte (a warrior queen in Greek Mythology) is brandishing her sword in a mosaic floor that depicts a hunting scene. The 5/6 th century mosaic can be found in the "Villa of the Amazons", a palatial house, that probably belonged to an important administrator of the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire, who lived in Edessa (nowadays called Urfa). The remains of the villa were discovered in 2006 near the center of Urfa. Photo Mick Palarczyk.
Wounded lion in Byzantine mosaic in Urfa.
[TURKEY.EAST 29276] In a hunting scene, a lion is bleeding from a wound in the neck, inflicted by the Amazon Melanippe. The 5/6 th century floor mosaic can be found in the "Villa of the Amazons", a palatial house, that probably belonged to an important administrator of the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire, who lived in Edessa (nowadays called Urfa). The remains of the villa were discovered in 2006 near the center of Urfa. Photo Mick Palarczyk.
Wounded lion in Byzantine mosaic in Urfa.
[TURKEY.EAST 29278] In a hunting scene, a lion is bleeding from a wound in the neck, inflicted by the Amazon Melanippe. The 5/6 th century floor mosaic can be found in the "Villa of the Amazons", a palatial house, that probably belonged to an important administrator of the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire, who lived in Edessa (nowadays called Urfa). The remains of the villa were discovered in 2006 near the center of Urfa. Photo Mick Palarczyk.
Partridge in Byzantine mosaic in Urfa.
[TURKEY.EAST 29280] A partridge standing on a rock is part of a large hunting scene with several animals and Amazons. The 5/6 th century floor mosaic can be found in the "Villa of the Amazons", a palatial house, that probably belonged to an important administrator of the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire, who lived in Edessa (nowadays called Urfa). The remains of the villa were discovered in 2006 near the center of Urfa. Photo Mick Palarczyk.
Zebra in Byzantine mosaic in Urfa.’
[TURKEY.EAST 29286] Tesserae (mosaic stones) made of rocks from the riverbed of the Euphrates were used to depict a black man leading a zebra. The 5/6 th century floor mosaic can be found in the "Villa of the Amazons", a palatial house, that probably belonged to an important administrator of the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire, who lived in Edessa (nowadays called Urfa). The remains of the villa were discovered in 2006 near the center of Urfa, which is located 45 km south of the Euphrates. Photo Mick Palarczyk.
Horse of Penthesilea in Byzantine mosaic in Urfa.
[TURKEY.EAST 29282] Tesserae (mosaic stones) made of rocks from the riverbed of the Euphrates are laid out in intricate patterns to depict a horse in a hunting scene with several animals and Amazons (warrior queens from Greek Mythology. This particular horse is carrying the Amazon Penthesilea. The 5/6 th century floor mosaic can be found in the "Villa of the Amazons", a palatial house, that probably belonged to an important administrator of the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire, who lived in Edessa (nowadays called Urfa). The remains of the villa were discovered in 2006 near the center of Urfa, which is located 45 km south of the Euphrates. Photo Mick Palarczyk.
Penthesilea, Amazon in Byzantine mosaic in Urfa.
[TURKEY.EAST 29284] Wearing a Phrygian cap, the Amazon Penthesilea (a warrior queen in Greek Mythology) is about to send an arrow in a hunting scene with several animals and Amazons. The 5/6 th century floor mosaic can be found in the "Villa of the Amazons", a palatial house, that probably belonged to an important administrator of the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire, who lived in Edessa (nowadays called Urfa). The remains of the villa were discovered in 2006 near the center of Urfa. Photo Mick Palarczyk.
Goddess Ktisis in Byzantine mosaic in Urfa.
[TURKEY.EAST 29288] Ktisis, goddess of the foundation of buildings and cities, and personification of generosity and donation is depicted here as a richly bejeweled woman. The 5/6 th century floor mosaic can be found in the "Villa of the Amazons", a palatial house, that probably belonged to an important administrator of the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire, who lived in Edessa (nowadays called Urfa). The remains of the villa were discovered in 2006 near the center of Urfa. Photo Mick Palarczyk.
Centaur in Byzantine mosaic in Urfa.
[TURKEY.EAST 29290] A large mosaic in the ancient town of Edessa shows several scenes from the life of the Greek warrior Achilles. Here we see the wise centaur Chiron who is said to have educated the young Achilles. The 5/6 th century floor mosaic can be found in the "Villa of the Amazons", a palatial house, that probably belonged to an important administrator of the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire, who lived in Edessa (nowadays called Urfa). The remains of the villa were discovered in 2006 near the center of Urfa. Photo Mick Palarczyk.
Portrait in Byzantine mosaic in Urfa.
[TURKEY.EAST 29292] A large mosaic in the ancient town of Edessa shows several scenes from the life of the Greek warrior Achilles. This detail shows a servant of Thetis, the mother of Achilles. The 5/6 th century floor mosaic can be found in the "Villa of the Amazons", a palatial house, that probably belonged to an important administrator of the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire, who lived in Edessa (nowadays called Urfa). The remains of the villa were discovered in 2006 near the center of Urfa. Photo Mick Palarczyk.
