In a quiet village in eastern Türkiye, a stunning piece of history has come to light, offering a vivid window into ancient Roman life. A late Roman-era mosaic, spanning 84 square meters, was discovered by chance in the village of Salkaya by Mehmet Emin Sualp while planting cherry saplings. Buried under just 50 cm of soil, this rare masterpiece has remained remarkably intact, despite centuries of upheaval.
The mosaic, believed to date back to the late third century, features an extraordinary array of hunting scenes, unmatched in both size and artistry in Türkiye. Among the depictions are fierce animals in pursuit: a lion chases a mountain goat, a bear stalks a stag, and sleek greyhounds corner a wild boar. In its most dramatic tableau, an Anatolian leopard is shown sinking its teeth into an ostrich’s neck—a powerful scene capturing both the predator’s dominance and the fragility of life.
Interwoven with the mosaic’s dynamic hunting imagery are serene elements: pheasants, ducks, and geese stand amid blooming roses and pomegranate trees. These peaceful details provide a poignant contrast to the ferocity of the hunt.
According to Emre Çayır, lead archaeologist of the excavation team from the Elazığ Archaeology and Ethnography Museum, the mosaic offers a unique lens into the cultural and symbolic traditions of the Roman Empire. “The lion and bear represent authority in Roman thought, while the hunting dogs remind us of humanity’s place within the natural order,” Çayır explained.
The discovery is particularly significant as it showcases animals native to the region, many of which have disappeared over time. Its preservation owes much to a collapsed wooden roof, which shielded the mosaic from the elements. Archaeologists have also uncovered remnants of a basalt road, an irrigation channel, and what might have been a winemaking facility.
Experts believe the mosaic may have adorned the residence of a Roman official, serving as a powerful statement of wealth and status. Coins found at the site point to its use from the late Roman to early Byzantine period, indicating the settlement’s strategic importance near the Roman Empire’s frontier with ancient Persia.
For now, the mosaic remains protected under a temporary covering as researchers and conservators work to determine its future. Whether it will be moved to a museum or preserved in situ will depend on further discoveries at the site.
This remarkable find not only underscores Türkiye’s rich archaeological heritage but also invites us to reimagine the daily life, power dynamics, and artistic brilliance of a long-lost civilization. As excavations continue, the ancient settlement at Salkaya promises to reveal even more secrets, enriching our understanding of the region’s vibrant past.
