Dig reveals 1,600-year-old colorful mosaic in central Israel Excavation workers stumble upon what is believed to be site of Byzantine-era industrial complex; find was in remarkably well preserved condition, will be restored using ancient methods and placed in plaza near Yavne cultural center TPS | Published: 04.26.21 , 15:58 A colorful 1,600-year-old mosaic was recently found during excavations carried out in preparations for the development of a new neighborhood in the coastal city of Yavne. The excavations, directed by the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) and headed by Dr. Elie Haddad, Liat Nadav-Ziv, and Dr. Jon Seligman, unearthed the mosaic in the ruins of what is believed to be ancient and extensive industrial complex.