התגלה פסיפס בציפורי.

Peer, Vered · 1991

Archaeological excavation being carried out this season at the ancient Galilee city of Tzipori (Sepphoris), have revealed a fifth century mosaic floor of exceptional beauty and Interest. Tzipori -which is taken from the Hebrew word which means bird, was given to the ancient capital of the Galilee because it perches on top of a mount like a bird? In the newly discovered mosaic there are many artistic references to the Nile River animals and features, it was a common subject for artists of the time. The exact function of the structure is still not quite clear, particularly as Tzipori was a mixed city of Jewlsh, Christian and pagan population. Several important finds have been like at the site during the past seven years of active excavation. Four years ago a mosaic centrepice was discovered of Dinysos, the Greek god of wine. It is regarded by many as the most beautiful mosaic portrait ever found in Israel. The Dinysos mosaic was removed and taken to the Israel Museum in Jerusalem to prevent its theft as well as making it more accessible to the public. A permanent structure is now being built at Tzipori that will enable the Dinysos to be returned to its original location as well as developing the whole area, One cause for concern in the fact that the Housing Ministry proposes to build a new town next to Tzipori that would, according to the archaeologists, destroy valuable remains of water systems that supplied the ancient city. Tzipori was an important Jewish spiritual centre and was the home of many eminent Talmudic scholars, including Rabbi Yehuda Hanassi, who lived and died in the city in the second century. It was Rabbi Hanassi who compiled and edited the Mishna. Photo shows: A beautiful mosaic was encovered at the Tzipori archaeological site.