Archaeologists have unearthed a Byzantine-era floor mosaic at the Monastery Church of Saints Constantine and Helena in Turkey’s Ordu province. This discovery marks the first in-situ (originally placed) floor mosaic found in Ordu and dates back to the 5th or 6th century CE, during the early Byzantine period.

Ordu’daki Aziz Konstantin ve Helana Manastırı’nda in-situ zemin mozaiğine ulaşıldı.

Ordu Müzesi Müdürlüğümüzün başkanlığında gerçekleştirilen kazı çalışmalarında rastlanılan eser Ordu ilinde açığa çıkarılan ilk in-situ zemin mozaiği olma özelliği taşıyor.

Projede çalışan… pic.twitter.com/dhbfSvkIhb

— Mehmet Nuri Ersoy (@MehmetNuriErsoy) August 11, 2024

The mosaic was uncovered during an excavation led by the Ordu Museum Directorate under the scientific supervision of ᴀssociate Professor Seçkin Evcim. The excavation team, which began its work in 2023, was originally investigating a site where eight Roman-era tombs were discovered in 2021. The team later identified the remains of a monastery church dedicated to the Roman Emperor Constantine I and his mother, Saint Helena. These two figures are venerated as saints in Eastern Christianity, with Helena also recognized in Roman Catholicism, Anglicanism, and Lutheranism.

Constantine I, also known as Constantine the Great, was the first Roman emperor to convert to Christianity. He played a pivotal role in ending the persecution of Christians and decriminalizing Christian practices, a transformation in religious policy known as the Constantinian shift. Saint Helena is known for her pilgrimage to Palestine and Syria, during which she allegedly brought back relics ᴀssociated with Christ, including pieces of the True Cross.

The mosaic itself is a striking example of Byzantine artistry. It features geometric designs and botanical motifs, including curly acanthus leaves, fruit depictions, and pairs of labryses (double-headed axes). The labrys, a symbol with deep roots in ancient religious rituals dating back to the Neolithic era, is an unusual decorative element for a Christian monastery. However, its presence can be linked to the extensive borrowing of classical Greek and Roman motifs by Byzantine artisans.

The mosaic’s geometric elements include rhombus shapes surrounded by panels featuring the labrys, a design that is consistent with other mosaics found in Anatolia from the same period. The acanthus motif, often used in borders, is intricately intertwined with fruit and animal figures, reflecting the artistic trends of the early Byzantine era.

In a statement, Turkey’s Minister of Culture and Tourism, Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, expressed his appreciation for the team’s efforts. “This significant discovery in Ordu is the first in-situ floor mosaic found in our province. I thank all team members who contributed to the excavation and research efforts,” Ersoy said on social media.

The Monastery Church of Saints Constantine and Helena is located in what was once the Diocese of Polemonion, now modern-day Fatsa. The region has a rich history, having been part of the Pontus Kingdom before becoming a Roman province under Emperor Nero in CE 62. The mosaic’s discovery adds another layer to our understanding of the area’s historical significance, particularly during the Byzantine period. The Ordu Museum Directorate and its team plan to continue their work at the site.

Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Turkey