Roman mosaic from lost city of Ucetia discovered in France

A large Roman mosaic in excellent condition has been unearthed in Ucetia, a mysterious ancient city mentioned on a stele found in Nîmes. The discovery was made during a preventive archaeological excavation by INRAP (French National Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research) on a site acquired by local authorities for a public utility building. The dig began in October 2016 and revealed a mosaic described by team leader Philippe Cayn as "very impressive due to its large size." The mosaic features geometric patterns and four animal depictions: a fawn, an owl, a duck, and an eagle. It likely belonged to a reception hall. Cayn noted that while such floor mosaics are common in the Roman world of the 1st and 2nd centuries, this example may date back about 200 years earlier. The excavation covers approximately 4,000 square meters and has also uncovered traces of two roads and an intersection from later periods. Further excavations are planned to continue revealing artifacts that could help reconstruct Ucetia's history.