A 1,700-year-old mosaic was uncovered by archaeologists in the Israeli city of Lod on the site where a fancy Roman villa once stood.

The colourful discovery was made during excavations last month by the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) in preparation for the construction of a visitors’ centre that will exhibit mosaics previously discovered at the same site.

New artifacts and architectural evidence from the late third century-early fourth century Roman period uncovered in recent excavation are causing archaeologists to reevaluate the rich merchant’s holdings, according to Israel Antiquities Authority’s dig director Dr. Amir Gorzalczany.

“The excavations at the site exposed a villa that included a large luxurious mosaic-paved reception room triclinium, and an internal columned courtyard, also with mosaics, and a water system. We found evidence for Mediterranean luxury that characterized the Roman empire, including attributes such as fresco wall paintings,” said Gorzalczany in an IAA press release.

Read more at the Times of Israel