Hidden for Centuries: Stunning Mosaic of Greek Goddess of Good Fortune Unearthed Beneath Syrian Well
This is just the latest discovery from Maryamin, where several other ancient mosaics have been unearthed in the past. The most famous of these, the Byzantine-age “Mosaic of the Musicians,” is currently on display at the Archaeological Museum of Hama.
Mosaic Depicting The Greco-Roman Goddess Of Fortune Unearthed In Syria
Wikimedia CommonsA drawing of Tyche, goddess of luck and fortune, from the 4th century C.E.
The recently-unearthed mosaic measures roughly 14 feet across and six feet from top to bottom. At the center is a depiction of Tyche, the Greek goddess of luck and fortune, surrounded by eight braid-shaped frames. On either side of the goddess are geometric decorative motifs characteristic of the Roman period.
Syrian archaeologists announced the discovery via a post on Facebook.
The goddess Tyche — known as Fortuna to the Romans — was the personification of fortune, chance, and destiny. Her influence grew particularly during the Hellenistic period (from the death of Alexander the Great in 323 B.C.E. to the death of Cleopatra in 30 B.C.E.), a time of great uncertainty and upheaval, where it seemed as if a person’s fate could shift dramatically from one moment to the next. Tyche was seen as a figure who could bestow either fabulous wealth or utter ruin, with no predictability.
DGAM Syria/FacebookArchaeologists excavating the Tyche mosaic in Maryamin, Syria.
Artistic depictions of Tyche often showed her with attributes symbolic of her power and fickle nature. She was frequently depicted holding a cornucopia, the horn of plenty, overflowing with fruits and grains, representing the abundant gifts she could bestow. Another common symbol associated with the goddess was a ship’s rudder, signifying her ability to steer the course of fate.
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