An ancient mosaic was found 6 feet underneath the Church of the Annunciation in Nazareth, according to The Blaze.
A team of American and Israeli archaeologists made the discovery at the site where Roman Catholics believe that the Angel Gabriel appeared to Mary an announced the upcoming birth of Jesus. Archaeologists from the University of Hartford, Duquesne University in Pittsburgh and Haifa University participated in the project.
Ground-penetrating radar helped uncover the ancient piece of history, The Times Of Israel reports.
"Based on the data we collected in December 2012 and January 2015 using the geophysical techniques ground-penetrating radar and electro-resistivity tomography, we determined that 'something' was buried beneath the courtyard behind the current incarnation of the church," said Duquesne University's Dr. Phillip Reeder.
Reeder created maps that pinpointed the location of the mosaic that the team eventually found.
The Church of the Annunciation was destroyed many times over the course of history, having to be rebuilt in the pre-modern period. The ancient mosaic floor that was found is said to have been created by Constantine the Great's mother, Queen Helena, in the 4th century, according to Duquesne University.
The church will place the mosaic in glass panes so that visitors will be able to view it.
6ft under Nazareth's Basilica of the Annunciation, a 1600y/o church mosaic by @IlanBenZion https://t.co/PE7m8mbDS7 pic.twitter.com/2RSiTIXDRL
— The Times of Israel (@TimesofIsrael) July 1, 2015
