Unique floor mosaics bearing the names of domestic cats and dogs have been discovered in an approximately 1800-year-old Roman villa during excavations at Adramytteion Ancient City, located in the Edremit district of Balıkesir. The mosaics, found in this ancient residence within the boundaries of present-day Ören Mahallesi, are of great importance as they reveal a highly personal and emotional aspect of Roman-era domestic life.
A richly decorated mosaic floor consisting of 15 panels was unearthed in the north hall of the villa, examined by a team led by excavation director Dr. Hüseyin Murat Özgen [1]. Among these panels, the most striking were the depictions of domestic animals with their names inscribed. Next to the cat figure in the mosaic, a name meaning 'Emerald' is present, while the name 'Oceanus' (Ocean) is read next to the dog figure [3]. Experts emphasize that while animals in standard Roman decorations are typically used anonymously and symbolically, the direct inscription of names on the depictions in this instance demonstrates the deep bond the homeowners shared with their animals.
North African Influences and the Secrets of the Ancient City
The mosaics of the villa, which covers an area of approximately 730 square meters, feature not only domestic animals but also birds, fish, a Medusa head, and mythological figures [4]. Researchers point out that the depictions of pygmies and birds in the mosaics bear strong similarities to the North African mosaic tradition [5]. It is assessed that this villa in Adramytteion, which had two harbors and played an active role in the Eastern Mediterranean trade network, may have belonged to a wealthy merchant with commercial ties to North Africa.
The Rebirth of a 500-Year-Old Symbol
The winged horse (Pegasus) figure in the mosaics points to the city's own historical roots. This local emblem, used on Adramytteion's coins from the 4th century BCE, reappears on the floor of a Roman-era villa approximately 500 years later. This situation indicates that the city's cultural identity and local symbols were preserved across generations, spanning from the Hellenistic period to the Roman period. The villa, boasting advanced engineering with its infrastructure channels, drainage systems, and water collection pools, was not abandoned despite fires and destructions; it continued to be repaired and used in later periods. For additional sources and further reading that strengthen this context, see [2].
Sources and Further Reading
- [1] 1,800-Year-Old Roman Villa Mosaic Discovered in Türkiye Preserves the Names of a Cat and Dog | Arkeonews
- [2] The 50 best bars and drinks in Emilia-Romagna
- [3] 2,000-Year-Old Roman Mosaic in Türkiye Preserves the Names of a Family’s Cat and Dog | Anatolian Archaeology
- [4] Roman-era villa uncovered at ancient city of Adramytteion
- [5] Roman Villa With Mosaics Revealing the Names of Ancient Pets Unearthed in Turkey - GreekReporter.com