BIBLE HISTORY DAILY

Preserving the Tree of Life Mosaic from Jericho

Bible and archaeology news

In order to preserve the stunning “tree of life” mosaic covering the floor of an eighth-century C.E. Jericho palace, architects and heritage officials are building a unique shelter at the site that will both the protect the mosaics and keep them accessible to tourists. The 60-foot-tall structure, to be called the “House of Mosaics,” will be covered with a durable white fabric that will extend across the entire, mosaic-covered floor of Hisham’s palace, one of the best preserved examples of early Islamic architecture in the Levant. In addition, a 12-foot-high walkway will be suspended above the mosaics, allowing visitors to view the floors without causing them damage. Construction on Jericho’s “House of Mosaics,” designed by Swiss architect Peter Zumthor, is expected to begin in 2013.

In order to preserve the stunning “tree of life” mosaic covering the floor of an eighth-century C.E. Jericho palace, architects and heritage officials are building a unique shelter at the site that will both the protect the mosaics and keep them accessible to tourists.