Archaeologists discover a 2,400 -year -old skeleton mosaic that urges people to “be cheerful and live your life”

by Finn Patraic

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Antakya Archaeology Museum Skeleton mosaic sept 2019 5915 1Antakya Archaeology Museum Skeleton mosaic sept 2019 5915 1

Image by Dosseman, via Wikimedia Commons

In 2012, archaeologists discovered a well -preserved mosaic in the south of Turkey with a skeleton savoring a miche of bread and a pitcher of wine, surrounded by the Greek words “be cheerful and live your life”. Dating from the 3rd century BCE, the mosaic probably adorned the dining room with a rich villa in the ancient Greco-Roman city of Antioch. It's a kind of Memento MoriA reminder that life is short and you should appreciate it while you can. Or that is to say how much interpreted the message of the mosaic.

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If you want to deepen, it is worth reading the basic analysis and information provided by The History Blog. In the meantime, This separate message on Tumblr highlights other translations and interpretations of the key inscription of the mosaic.

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Via Reddit

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