A vivid 4th-century mosaic, buried for more than 1,600 years in the sands of the western Negev, was unveiled to the public on Sunday in a ceremony that marked the culmination of decades of archaeological preservation and a renewed effort to bring the past into the heart of Israel’s communities.
The Be’er Shema mosaic—also known by its ancient name, Birsama—is now on display in the Merhavim Regional Council complex, following extensive conservation work led by the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA). Considered among the most elaborate mosaics discovered in southern Israel, the Byzantine-era floor is composed of 55 finely rendered medallions depicting mythological figures, exotic animals, hunting scenes, and daily life—each tessera a testament to the artistry of a forgotten age.
Originally unearthed in 1990 near Kibbutz Urim at the edge of Khirbat Be’er Shema, the mosaic lay dormant for decades under protective coverings. It was part of a sprawling monastic complex that included winepresses and warehouses—evidence of a self-sustaining religious community positioned strategically along an ancient desert trade route that once linked Halutza in the Negev to the port city of Gaza.
“This mosaic is unique, both in terms of its scale and the sophistication of its imagery,” said Shaike Lender, who co-led the original excavation. “Its craftsmanship, incorporating colored stones, glass, and pottery, reveals the hand of a true master.”
Officials from the Ministry of Heritage, including Minister Amichai Eliyahu, joined the unveiling, along with Merhavim Council head Shai Hajaj and IAA director Eli Escusido. Students from nearby schools and local residents gathered for the occasion, which featured archaeological workshops, craft activities, and ceremonial tree plantings.
The relocation and display of the mosaic were carried out under the “Antiquities Right at Home” initiative, a collaboration between the Ministry of Heritage and the IAA designed to embed cultural heritage within local communities. The mosaic is now housed in a sheltered space, protected from agricultural encroachment and environmental wear.
“In recent years, the condition of the mosaic deteriorated,” said Ami Shahar, head of the IAA’s Conservation Department. “This prompted urgent action: the mosaic was carefully re-excavated, conserved, and transferred. Today, the public can encounter this remarkable artwork up close—a window into a world that once thrived along the desert’s edge.”
The Be’er Shema mosaic now stands not only as an archaeological treasure, but as a vivid symbol of Israel’s layered past—brought into view through preservation, scholarship, and public access.
