Archeologists discover a great Byzantine basilica in Israel

According to the Israel Antiquities Authority, the finding, made by a group of archaeologists in the southwestern region of Jerusalem, correspond to a Byzantine basilica of 22 meters long and 12 meters wide, built over 1,500 years ago.

The center of the basilica retains on its soil, a mosaic in which images  of vine leaves make up forty medallions with many different drawings: zebras, leopards, turtles, birds and botanical or geometric figures adorn the platform.

The Israel Antiquities Authority announced that the “magnificent” mosaic will be transferred to a regional museum or a visitors center so it can be admired by the public.

Basilica mosaic floor