In 2005, a significant archaeological discovery was made in Israel: a rare mosaic dating back to the third century. Located within the confines of Megiddo Prison, this remarkable find has become the focal point of a multidimensional debate. Should it stay in its original location, or should it be exhibited globally? And if it's to be displayed internationally, where should it go?
The mosaic was uncovered during a salvage excavation by the Israeli Antiquities Authority. As the prison authorities looked to expand, they wanted to ensure no historical artifacts in the vicinity would be inadvertently damaged. Amidst these preventive excavations, and with the help of several prisoner volunteers, a breathtaking mosaic floor emerged, revealing its connection to an ancient church. Further excavations also brought the building's foundations to light.
Israel's plan to loan the ancient Megiddo Mosaic to a Washington museum has riled archaeologists, who fear it could lose its religious contexthttps://t.co/ApY3R8FHWc
— TRT World (@trtworld) August 15, 2023
The discovery excited the Megiddo Regional Council, recognizing the potential of such an archaeological gem. Itzik Holevsky, the council's head, shared, "After realizing the significance of the find, the Ministerial Committee for Negev and Galilee Affairs in 2007 decided to transform this site into a premier tourist destination." He added that in 2009, Megiddo's council funded the mosaic's preservation. "By 2018, we persuaded the Israeli government to endorse this site. Once the prison relocates after the proposed construction, we aim to elevate this mosaic into one of the most sought-after tourist spots, both in Israel and globally."
During a discussion between Holevsky and the Prison’s Police Commissioner, Cathy Perry, it was confirmed that the construction of a new prison facility near the Megiddo Junction is slated to start in 2025, with an estimated completion by 2030. Consequently, until the construction concludes, public access to the mosaic remains restricted due to its location within the prison.
The Megiddo Mosaic could be loaned to Museum of the Bible in Washington. It was discovered by Israeli archaeologists in 2005 during a salvage excavation conducted as part of the planned expansion of an Israeli prison.
— Ticia Verveer (@ticiaverveer) August 15, 2023
The IAA said that it will decide about the move in the coming… pic.twitter.com/VHt440tuQp
However, this mosaic has caught the world's attention. A recent report by the AP news agency indicated that the Antiquities Authority contemplates moving the mosaic to the Museum of the Bible in Washington. Since its inception in 2017, this museum has faced criticism for seemingly endorsing an evangelical political viewpoint. The report also highlighted several archaeologists expressing their reservations about this idea.
To further complicate matters, the Vatican Museum has expressed interest in housing this archaeological masterpiece. This competition for the mosaic ensures that any decision will inevitably leave one party disappointed.
In The Megiddo Prison In Northern #Israel Where The Battle Of ##Armageddon Will Be Fought, Lies A 2,000-Year Old ‘Jesus Fish’ #Mosaic On The Floor https://t.co/3CVIRUXnkV
— BluelineUSA (@AHEALTHYCONCERN) August 15, 2023
Addressing the ongoing debate, Eli Eskosido, the Director General of the Antiquities Authority, clarified, "Our top experts are rigorously assessing whether relocating the mosaic is feasible and appropriate. Let me be clear: a permanent relocation of the mosaic out of Israel was never, is not, and will never be an option. If anything, it might be showcased in one of the world's foremost museums and then returned to its original discovery site."
