Euphrates Mosaic

Euphrates Mosaic is a floor mosaic discovered during excavations at the Zeugma Ancient City within the boundaries of Gaziantep Province, at the Belkıs/Zeugma Cemetery site. Dating to the Roman Period, the artwork depicts Euphrates, the mythological river god personifying the Euphrates River. The mosaic is exhibited at Zeugma Mosaic Museum.

At the center of the octagonal composition stands the River God Euphrates, depicted reclining on a couch (klinē). He is shown with water flowing from a jug (hydria) placed beneath his elbow. The emergence of vegetation from the area where the water flows symbolizes the river’s fertility.^【1】 The branch held in the god’s hand is another element emphasizing his connection to nature.

^{Euphrates Mosaic (}Turkish Museums⁾

The mythological origin of Euphrates, the central figure of the mosaic, is rooted in a tragic tale. According to legend, Euphrates had a son named Aksurtas. One day, he mistakenly killed his own son, believing him to be a stranger while the boy was sleeping beside his mother. Overcome with grief upon discovering the truth, he committed suicide by throwing himself into a river then known as “Medos.” Thereafter, the river came to be named after him and became known as “Euphrates” (Fırat).^【2】

For the ancient city of Zeugma, situated along the banks of the Euphrates River, the river held vital importance. The Euphrates Mosaic is an example of how the city honored this essential water source by deifying it. The artwork embodies the technical and aesthetic characteristics of Roman Imperial period mosaic art.