Sardis : Archaeological Research and Conservation Projects in 2005

Excavation at the artificial terrace in central Sardis (at sector Field 55). The finds show that artificial terracing was a feature of this part of Sardis already in Archaic times. In the Early Persian / Late Lydian stratum, part of a pebble floor made of larger pebble stones – forerunner of mosaic – has been revealed. The decoration consists of alternating stripes of light and dark, created with different colors of stones. Late Roman building abutting the inner side of the artificial terrace. Mention of a room with wall paintings simulating opus sectile (probably 5th or 6th century A.D.). Restoration : Backing of Late Roman mosaic floor segments which had been lifted from a portico near the Synagogue (at sector MMS/N) has been completed. These segments have been backed on light-weight backing materials.