New scene of the 4th century mosaic, previously discovered in Homs countryside, unearthed

The General Directorate of Antiquities and Museums (GDAM) on Thursday announced the discovery of a new scene of the important mosaic, which was previously discovered in the city of Al-Rastan in the countryside of Homs and which dates back to the second half of the 4th century AD.

The announcement was made today during a press conference in Al-Rastan city.

The GDAM said that the new discovery adds exceptional importance to the mosaic, as it represents a rare scene known in Greek mythology as “The War of the Centaurs”, which is a war between the Lapiths and the Centaurs during a wedding. Their Greek names were found written beside each of them in the mosaic.

The legend goes that the centaurs were invited to the wedding of King Pirithous of the Lapiths and Hippodameia. Apparently, the centaurs couldn’t quite hold their liquor. Everyone drank copious amounts of wine, and as Pirithous and Hippodameia were about to be wed, the centaur Eurytion jumped up and attempted to make off with the bride. This caused quite a stir as each centaur took it in his head to violate the wedding guests. Of course, the Lapiths would have none of it, and a great battle ensued. The Lapiths emerged victorious, and drove the centaurs from their lands.

The mosaic that was discovered in Al-Rastan last year is one of the most famous and important artworks in the world, as it contains important scenes, including the central scene that represents the god Poseidon, the god of the sea, and the other scene that represents the Battle of the Amazons.

Hamda Mustafa