In 2010, workers excavating the foundation of the Antakya Museum H๏τel in Türkiye discovered what has been called “the world’s largest mosaic,” a Roman Mosaic (4th Century AD), covering an area of approximately eight thousand square meters. It is far beyond what anyone can imagine, and it may take longer to produce than any other type of inlay on a recording.

Archaeologists believe that this large piece of mosaic with complex geometry is the floor of a public building in the ancient city of Antioch, one of the most important cities of the Selective Empire. Although damaged in a series of major earthquakes in 526 and 528 AD, some of that damage actually only enhanced its visual quality, as the mosaic remained connected to the ground and much of it remained. intact, even as its foundation shakes uncontrollably.

This undulation makes the piece look as if some of the gently undulating parts have been covered by a large, beautiful tapestry.

The local Museum of Archeology has an unparalleled collection of Roman mosaics from this period, most of them removed from excavation and preserved indoors. However, the enormity of this particular mosaic requires a different approach. Instead of raising the mosaic, or part of it, or covering it up to protect and build on top of it, archaeologists and architects collaborated to create a hybrid: a H๏τel-Museum.