Facelift: Mosaic Masterpiece

COURTESY EMIL ALADJEM, ISRAEL ANTIQUITIES AUTHORITY

Visitors to Southern Israel can now admire one of the most elaborate Byzantine mosaics ever discovered in the country. Soon after it was unearthed in 1990 at the site of Khirbet Beer Shema, about 15 miles west of Beer Sheva, the mosaic pavement was quickly reburied to protect it from the elements. Now, after extensive conservation, the re-excavated mosaic has been relocated to a nearby archaeological park for public display.

The mosaic originally adorned the central nave of a sixth-century basilica church dedicated to St. Stephen, traditionally identified as the first Christian martyr (Acts 7:54–60). The church was part of a large monastic complex that supported travelers and pilgrims passing through the Negev on their way to the Mediterranean coast.

Framed by an elaborate geometric and floral border, the mosaic features 55 medallions—arranged in 11 rows and connected by meandering vines—that depict touching vignettes of nature and everyday life. Included among its many rich details are two peacocks facing a fruit basket, prancing horses, exotic animals such as elephants and giraffes, a wolf and a leopard hunting an ibex and a gazelle, scenes of men leading camels and donkeys, and an amphora flanked by two lions. Unique imagery also abounds, including a man’s portrait signed with his name (“Biktor”), a man playing a kind of reed instrument or flute, and a woman nursing an infant. At the entrance to the nave is a five-line Greek inscription, one of several throughout the church commemorating the donations of wealthy patrons who supported the church and the monastery.

Despite being reburied shortly after its discovery, the mosaic had begun to deteriorate from increased development and agricultural activity in the area. To ensure the mosaic’s preservation and to make it accessible to the public, the Israel Antiquities Authority recently exposed the mosaic to clean and repair the floor before it suffered further damage. In May 2025, the mosaic was removed from the site and taken to the headquarters of the local regional council, where it is now the centerpiece of an archaeological garden.