Roman Mosaic Unearthed in Turkey Reveals Names of a Cat and a Dog
Since 2012, excavations conducted by the Balikesir National Forces Museum in Adramytteion, located in western Turkey, have uncovered a vibrant mosaic floor comprising fifteen panels that have preserved the names of two domesticated animals for almost 2,000 years. This mosaic, which spans 5 by 3.6 meters, showcases a collection of animals along with Greek inscriptions identifying a cat named Zmaragdin ("Emerald") and a dog named Okeanos ("Ocean"). According to archaeologist Hüseyin Özgen, these names highlight the importance of the site as a Roman provincial capital and commercial center. The villa's proprietor might have been a merchant associated with North Africa, with "Ocean" alluding to maritime trade. Özgen's findings are published in the Journal of Mosaic Research, 19, 2026.
Key facts
- A Roman mosaic with fifteen panels was discovered under the ancient city of Adramytteion in western Turkey.
- The mosaic dates back nearly 2,000 years and measures approximately 5 by 3.6 meters.
- Excavations since 2012 by the Balikesir National Forces Museum uncovered a sophisticated residential complex.
- Two panels contain Greek inscriptions naming a cat Zmaragdin ("Emerald") and a dog Okeanos ("Ocean").
- The mosaic features a bestiary including birds, fish, a winged horse, and gorgons.
- Archaeologist Hüseyin Özgen of Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University leads the research team.
- Adramytteion was a provincial capital of Asia Minor and a major trading hub on the Aegean Sea.
- The findings will be published in the Journal of Mosaic Research, 19, 2026.
Entities
Artists
- Hüseyin Murat Özgen
Institutions
- Balikesir National Forces Museum
- Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University
- Journal of Mosaic Research
- Connaissance des Arts
Locations
- Adramytteion
- Turkey
- Balikesir
- Istanbul
- Asia Minor
- Aegean Sea
- North Africa
- Egypt