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Mosaic Fragment with a Pair of Goats

ca. 535/536

Not on view

Flanking the elaborate palm tree at center are a pair of goats, doves, stylized plants, and two inscriptions. One is possibly the earliest inscription in Arabic ("in peace") in a church. It may also be in Aramaic ("Give repose [and] give salvation"). The other is the Greek name "Saola," probably referring to the archdeacon Saolos, whose name appears in two more inscriptions at the site. The bilingual character of the inscription reflects the multiplicity of peoples living in Byzantium’s southern provinces at the time.

Mosaic Fragment with a Pair of Goats, Colored stone tesserae on a white background — Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Title: Mosaic Fragment with a Pair of Goats

Date: ca. 535/536

Geography: Made in Jordan, ecavated at Khirbat al-Mukhayyat

Medium: Colored stone tesserae on a white background

Dimensions: 135 1/16 x 124 x 5 7/8 in. (343 x 315 x 15 cm)

Classification: Mosaics

Credit Line: Franciscan Archaeological Institute–Mount Nebo, Custody of the Holy Land

Accession Number: isl226

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Medieval Art and The Cloisters at The Met

The Museum's collection of medieval and Byzantine art is among the most comprehensive in the world, encompassing the art of the Mediterranean and Europe from the fall of Rome to the beginning of the Renaissance.