Learn about the merry skeleton mosaic

CAIRO – 31 October 2022: Archaeologists discovered a mosaic depicting a skeleton dating back to the Roman era in Turkey.

The province of Hatay, in which the mosaic was discovered, is famous for its ancientmosaics. The skeleton mosaic was described as a "fun work of art". The mosaic was discovered beside the dining area of a contemporary house in Antiochia, the third largest in the world during the Roman period.

The merry skeleton holds a drink with a Greek inscription saying "Be cheerful, enjoy life," implying a sense of humor. Archaeologists say it provides a picture of the hedonistic ways of the third century BC.

The "fun" artwork was originally located within the dining area of a residence. "There were schools teaching mosaic arts during the Roman period," said Demet Kara, an archaeologist from the Hatay Archeology Museum.

Many Roman mosaics present scenes from everyday life while others display intricate geometric patterns, which is why the skeleton stands out as "fun", as it does not belong to either group.

Kara also said that bathing and eating were very important among the elite during the Roman period.