A 1500-year-old mosaic map that outlines an ancient Egyptian settlement is on display in the Israel parking lot of the industrial park where it was found, according to Live Science. The display marks the first time that it is viewable to the public.
The map's artwork portrays Egyptian buildings in great detail, outlining things such as their balconies and windows, according to Discovery News. At least 17 colors appear in the mosaic and the level of quality used in its design is unprecedented, according to Haaretz.
"The investment in the raw materials and their quality are the best ever discovered in Israel," said Sa'ar Ganor and Rina Avner, archaeologists from the Israel Antiquities Authority. "The appearance of this Egyptian city on the floor of the public building in Qiryat Gat might allude to the origin of the church's congregation."
The map dates all the way back to the Byzantine period and shows Chortaso, Egypt, which is the location where the Hebrew prophet Habakkuk was buried, and was allegedly displayed on a church floor years ago during its time.
"According to Christian tradition, the prophet Habakkuk was buried there. The appearance of this Egyptian city on the floor of the public building in Qiryat Gat might allude to the origin of the church's congregation," Ganor and Avner said.
