Gordion Megaron 2

During excavations conducted in the city of Gordion in 1956–57, in a structure known as Megaron 2, the world’s oldest surviving mosaic floor was discovered. Dated to the 9th century BCE, it is a mosaic created by the interlocking of numerous patterns. The patterns featured in the mosaic likely depict designs used in the city’s famous textile products.¹ The mosaic was later transported in sections to the Gordion Museum to be displayed outdoors under a protective roof. The sections, which had been coated with cement and divided during transport, unfortunately lost much of their originality when transferred to their new location due to the inadequacy of the techniques available at the time. The use of cement as a bonding agent not only created an unsightly appearance but also led to deterioration due to the use of an inappropriate material.² Various conservation recommendations have been developed to minimize the mosaic’s deterioration and ensure better protection in the future.³