Madaba Map, Geographic floor mosaic in Saint George Church, Madaba, Jordan
The Madaba Map measures 16 by 5 meters and contains over two million colored stone pieces depicting the Middle East region from Lebanon to Egypt.
Created during the 6th century CE, this floor mosaic represents the earliest known geographic representation of Jerusalem and the surrounding biblical territories.
The map faces east toward the altar, allowing locations on the mosaic to align with actual compass directions inside the Saint George Church.
Visitors can observe detailed depictions of 150 towns, including the Damascus Gate, Lions Gate, and Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.
The mosaic displays fish swimming in the Jordan River but turning away from the Dead Sea, reflecting natural behaviors in these water bodies.
Inception: 6 century
GPS coordinates: 31.71667,35.80000
Latest update: March 5, 2025 18:07
Stone mosaics adorn buildings across continents, offering insights into the artistic traditions of different eras. Roman floor mosaics feature mythological scenes and geometric patterns in villas and public baths. Byzantine wall mosaics in churches depict religious figures using gold tesserae, while Islamic mosaics in mosques and palaces showcase intricate geometric and floral compositions. Examples of this art form can be found at Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, where Christian and Islamic elements coexist, in the early Christian basilicas of Ravenna with their detailed biblical narratives, and at the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem with its elaborate arabesques. Modern interpretations appear in subway stations, public squares, and contemporary buildings, demonstrating the continued relevance of this technique.
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