Ancient footprints found under mosaic

JERUSALEM, Oct. 14 (UPI) -- Ancient foot and sandal prints said to be 1,700 years old were found by Israeli archaeologists removing a mosaic floor in Lod, officials said.

The ancient mosaic floor dating back to the Roman period was uncovered 13 years ago and described by the Israel Antiquities Authority as one of the largest and most magnificent mosaic floors found in Israel.

The floor was covered until funding for its conservation was found, the authority said in a statement it released Wednesday.

Archaeologists began removing the mosaic for conservation, when they discovered the ancient footprints underneath.

Jacques Neguer, head of the authority's conservation department said at least one of the imprints resembles a modern sandal. The sizes of the footprints varied, from an American shoe sizes of 2 to 10 1/2, he said.

"At least one imprint of a sole resembles a modern sandal. Based on the concentration of foot and sandal prints it seems that the group of builders tamped the mortar in place with their feet," the authority quoted him saying.

The discovery of such ancient footprints of people who actually worked at the site is fascinating he said.

"We feel the continuity of generations here," he said.

The mosaic floor depicts in great detail mammals, birds, fish, floral species and sailing and merchant vessels used at that time, the authority said.

Archaeologists estimate the floor was part of a villa that belonged to a wealthy Roman.

The authority said the foot prints will be removed for conservation and eventually exhibited with the mosaic flooring at a museum in Lod.