The Hatay Archaeology Museum The Hatay Archaeology Museum stands as one of the most prominent museums in the region, showcasing more than 2,500 mosaic pieces from the Roman and Byzantine eras. It is widely acclaimed for its vast and impressive mosaic collection, much of which was uncovered by French archaeologists. The idea for establishing the museum was first proposed by Claude M. Prost, a French archaeologist, in 1934. Following the incorporation of Hatay Province into the Republic of Turkey in 1939, the museum came under Turkish administration. The museum first welcomed visitors in 1948 and featured artifacts from numerous ancient civilizations until it underwent significant renovations in 1975. The mosaic artworks on exhibit are crafted from stone flooring unearthed in the remnants of ancient towns, villas, bathhouses, and churches from the Roman and Byzantine periods. Hatay is home to an exceptional mosaic heritage dating back to the Hellenistic and Roman periods, particularly from the 2nd and 3rd centuries. These stunning pieces were excavated in ancient settlements such as Daphne, Seleucia Pieria (Samandağ), Antioch, and Tarsus. The mosaics illustrate mythological and cultural figures including Dionysos, Orpheus, and expressive dancers, as well as the famous scene of Ariadne Abandoned discovered in Defne (Yakto). Archaeological excavations in the region have brought to light numerous valuable relics from various historical eras, including inscriptions, carved reliefs, wall paintings, and statues that trace back to the time of the Hittites and continue through the Roman period. These discoveries have been made in locations such as Guneyde, Dehep, Çatalhöyük, Tainat Ac-ana, and Defne-Harbiye. In addition to these, the museum features a remarkable collection of items found in Antakya and its nearby districts. If you have any questions or need more information about The Hatay Archaeology Museum, please feel free to reach out to us at [email protected] or simply send us a message via Whatsapp, and we’ll get back to you as quickly as possible.