Syrian heritage sites have long been looted for priceless artifacts during their 11-year-long war. However, in Rastan, Syria, a remarkably intact mosaic dating back 1,600 years was unearthed under an old building, stated to be the most significant archeological find since the conflict began. The Syrian civil war limited the finding and preservation of many heritage sites as rebel groups tunneled beneath buildings and destroyed
priceless Roman colonnades and other artifacts, making finds such as this incredibly rare. Twenty meters across and six deep, the half-inch stones decorated the floor of an unknown Roman building, perhaps a bathhouse or public building, in swirling designs with a centralized picture. The panels showcase the Amazon warriors -- whose queen, Hippolyta, was featured in one of Hercules’ labors -- as well as Neptune and 40 concubines and scenes from the Trojan war against the Greeks. Labeled the “most complete and the rarest” mosaic found to date by Dr. Humam Saad, director of the excavation, the bright tiles appear to extend much further than has been excavated, and the local museum hopes to purchase more of the surrounding buildings for further excavation.