Hidden beneath layers of rubble and time for over 1,200 years, one of the most stunning treasures of early Islamic art has finally returned to the light. The 8,998 square-foot mosaic floor at Hisham’s Palace in Jericho, Palestine, has been fully unveiled—marking a breathtaking moment for archaeology, culture, and global heritage.
🏛️ The Legacy of Hisham’s Palace
Constructed in the 8th century during the Umayyad dynasty, Hisham’s Palace—also known as Khirbat al-Mafjar—was a sprawling desert palace complex. Thought to have been commissioned under Caliph Hisham ibn Abd al-Malik or his nephew Al-Walid II, it served as a luxurious winter retreat near the fertile Jordan Valley.
The palace complex featured a mosque, residential quarters, reception halls, and intricate bathhouses—all demonstrating the sophistication and artistry of early Islamic architecture. Tragically, a powerful earthquake in 747 AD devastated the site, burying much of its grandeur under rubble for centuries.
🧩 A Mosaic Like No Other
At the heart of this rediscovered wonder is a vast mosaic floor made up of 38 intricate panels filled with geometric, floral, and symbolic imagery. The star of the show is the legendary “Tree of Life” panel, which tells a rich visual story.
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On one side, a lion attacks a deer, representing conflict, struggle, or mortality.
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On the other, two calm gazelles graze peacefully, symbolizing harmony and paradise.
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The central tree unites these two opposing forces—evoking themes of balance, duality, and the eternal cycle of life.
This symbolism resonates across cultures and time, making the mosaic not just a work of art, but a philosophical reflection carved in stone.
🏗️ Rediscovery and Restoration
British archaeologist Robert Hamilton first uncovered parts of the site in the 1930s, but much of the mosaic remained hidden under sand and debris to protect it from damage. It wasn’t until 2021 that a major restoration project, led by Palestinian experts and supported by international partners, brought the full mosaic back into view.
A specially constructed protective shelter now allows visitors to walk above the mosaic on elevated platforms—offering a bird’s-eye view of one of the largest, most complete floor mosaics from the early Islamic world.
🌍 A Symbol of Palestinian Heritage
Today, Hisham’s Palace stands not only as a remarkable archaeological site but also as a beacon of Palestinian cultural identity. In a land often associated with conflict, this site quietly but powerfully showcases the region’s deep artistic legacy, intellectual history, and contributions to global civilization.
Thousands of visitors from around the world now travel to Jericho to witness this masterpiece firsthand. The mosaic serves as a reminder that history, no matter how deeply buried, always finds a way to rise again.
📸 Planning Your Visit
Hisham’s Palace is located just a few kilometers north of Jericho, one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. Whether you’re a lover of history, art, or archaeology, standing before the Tree of Life mosaic is an unforgettable experience—a quiet yet powerful testament to the enduring spirit of a land rich in heritage.
🔗 Bonus Tip for Travelers: Combine your visit to Hisham’s Palace with a trip to nearby Mount of Temptation, the Dead Sea, or Jericho’s ancient city walls for a full day of history and wonder.
