Ancient Roman Mosaic Revealed In Israel

LOD, ISRAEL - OCTOBER 20: This handout photo made available by the Israeli Antiquities Authority (IAA) on October 20, 3009 shows a 1,700-year-old footprint found in the bedding of an ancient Roman mosaic in the ruins of a 4th century AD building in Lod in central Israel. As Israeli antiquities experts removed the mosaic floor for restoration, they were amazed to discover that the builders of the beautiful mosaic left their personal mark there: while working on the plaster bedding which is done before attaching the mosaic, the artisans trod on it wearing sandals and in their bare feet. The mosaic is regarded as one of the most magnificent and largest ever revealed in Israel, and was first uncovered in 1996 during a project to upgrade the city's sewage system. It covers an area of about 180 square meters and is composed of coloured carpets that depict in detail animals, birds, fish, a variety of flora and the sailing and merchant ships that were used at the time. (Photo by Niki Davidov/IAA via Getty Images)