Caught on Camera: How Smugglers’ Live Broadcast Exposed Their Attempt to Steal a Priceless Roman Mosaic in Turkey
The Ancient Roman Mosaic Uncovered In Zile — By Thieves Who Livestreamed Their Theft
The mosaic in Zile was uncovered by police last week near Zile Castle in Turkey’s Tokat province. The looters, who had tried to cover the mosaic with bags, were arrested, and the mosaic was seized by the authorities.
TikTokA screenshot from the video that the looters livestreamed, identifying their location, the date, and one of their names.
The mosaic features several geometric patterns, the face of a woman, and the word “tyrphe,” which means luxury and indulgence. Murat Tekin, the head of the excavation team at Zile Castle Ancient Theater and a faculty member in the Department of History at Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa University (TOGÜ), told Turkish media that the mosaic was located roughly 650 feet from ongoing, authorized excavations at the theater, and that it was probably linked to Zile’s ancient lower city.
Confirming that the mosaic dates back to the Roman era, Tekin remarked: “This discovery is a testament to the rich cultural tapestry of Zile, which has been an important hub since ancient times.”
AAA close-up of the word “tyrphe” on the mosaic, which means luxury or indulgence.
Indeed, Zile — or Zela, as it was known in antiquity — has a long, rich story, and served as the backdrop for one of Roman history’s most famous moments.
The Dramatic Ancient History Of Zile During The Roman Era
Dosseman/Wikimedia CommonsOne of Zile’s most famous historic sites is its ancient castle, which was built roughly 2,000 years ago.
Zile dates back to at least the Hittite period (roughly 1600 to 1180 B.C.E.) when it was known as Anziliya. But the city’s most famous moment came in 47 B.C.E., with the arrival of Julius Caesar.
Post Comment