Panel from a Mosaic Floor from Antioch (central panel; part of 70.AH.96)

Elaborate patterns frame the central medallions, which depict birds pecking at foliage and a hare eating grapes. Four border pieces decorated with geometric patterns (70.AH.96.2-.5) originally framed this panel of the mosaic. Excavated in 1938 just east of the city of Antioch in ancient Syria (present-day Antakya, Turkey), this mosaic decorated the floor of the entryway to the frigidarium (cold-water room) of a public bath. The building was also used as a place for gathering and entertainment. Although the bath was small in scale, its fine construction and lavish decoration attest to the wealth and taste of the prosperous landowners in the countryside surrounding Antioch.