A vast Roman-era floor mosaic measuring about 400 square meters has been uncovered in Iznik, Bursa, Türkiye, shortly after the headline-making discovery of a basilica beneath the bed of Iznik Lake. The site is under tight security, and teams are carrying out excavation and cleaning in strict confidentiality, with police and municipal officers guarding the area around the clock. The mosaic was filmed by drone for the first time by IHA.

Following the basilica's discovery, specialists intensified work on an area where Roman-period mosaic remains were first noticed during sewer infrastructure works in 2014. The new excavations have now revealed a single, extensive floor mosaic. Experts are evaluating whether this paved space could mark the entrance to a palace connected to Nicea, often described as the "queen" of Iznik.

The forthcoming papal trip by Pope Leo XIV on November 27 has coincided with heightened cultural and archaeological activity across the area. Archaeologists underline the artistic and historical importance of the mosaic and expect Iznik to draw wider international interest as the papal trip approaches.

A vast Roman-era floor mosaic measuring about 400 square meters has been uncovered in Iznik, Bursa, Türkiye, shortly after the headline-making discovery of a basilica beneath the bed of Iznik Lake. The site is under tight security, and teams are carrying out excavation and cleaning in strict confidentiality, with police and municipal officers guarding the area around the clock. The mosaic was filmed by drone for the first time by IHA.

Following the basilica's discovery, specialists intensified work on an area where Roman-period mosaic remains were first noticed during sewer infrastructure works in 2014. The new excavations have now revealed a single, extensive floor mosaic. Experts are evaluating whether this paved space could mark the entrance to a palace connected to Nicea, often described as the "queen" of Iznik.

The forthcoming papal trip by Pope Leo XIV on November 27 has coincided with heightened cultural and archaeological activity across the area. Archaeologists underline the artistic and historical importance of the mosaic and expect Iznik to draw wider international interest as the papal trip approaches.