Archaeologists have uncovered a well-preserved ancient mosaic in the ruins of Smyrna, an archaeological site beneath the modern Turkish city of İzmir, revealing new details about the settlement that has lain hidden for around 1,500 years. Smyrna holds particular religious and historical significance as it is one of the seven cities named in the Book of Revelation, alongside Ephesus, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea, making the discovery notable to both archaeologists and scholars of early Christianity.

The find was reported by Turkish state news outlet Anadolu Agency and adds to a series of recent archaeological discoveries in the region, including a separate pagan relic uncovered near a site linked to St Paul's teachings. Experts say such finds continue to shed light on life in the ancient city and its role within the broader historical and religious landscape of early Christian-era Anatolia.