Archaeologists have uncovered a remarkable Roman-era mosaic in the ancient city of Adramytteion, Turkey, which features two beloved household animals: a cat named Emerald and a dog named Ocean. The intricate floor artwork was discovered within a wealthy villa dating to the late second or early third century A.D., highlighting the personal connections Roman homeowners maintained with their pets.
The villa, located on Turkey’s Aegean coast, was recently excavated by a team led by Hüseyin Özgen of Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University. While excavation work at Adramytteion began in 2012, the specific residence was identified and dug up during 2025 and early 2026. During the Roman period, Adramytteion served as a provincial capital and a key trading hub due to its strategic position at the head of a gulf.
The mosaic, measuring approximately 16.4 by 11.8 feet (5 by 3.6 meters), is the largest and most elaborate in the residence. It is composed of 15 separate panels arranged in three rows and utilizes a vibrant palette of white, black, red, orange, yellow, pink, burgundy, blue, turquoise, and green tiles. Most panels depict birds, fish, and felines, while two feature mythological figures: a gorgon, possibly Medusa, and a winged horse, likely Pegasus. The central focus appears to be a depiction of Medusa.
According to Özgen, who detailed the findings in a study forthcoming in the Journal of Mosaic Research, the named animals likely preserve the memory of the household’s actual pets. Upon entering the main reception hall, visitors would have seen the panel of Emerald on their left. The pale cat is shown seated on a blue-green cushion, with the Greek letters ΖΜΑΡΑΓΔΙΝ (Zmaragdin) inscribed above, translating to “emerald.” The relaxed posture suggests Emerald was a cherished pet rather than a stray.
On the right side of the entrance, a panel depicts a running or leaping dog labeled with the Greek letters ΩΚΕΑΝΟΣ (Okeanos), meaning “ocean.” Given that Adramytteion was a harbor city, Özgen suggests the name may have been chosen to reflect the dog’s surroundings. These depictions may have served as symbols of ownership and household identity, indicating that Emerald and Ocean were familiar figures to the villa’s residents.
The research team continues to explore the site, which also includes secondary rooms and a sophisticated network of pipes and drains. The discovery offers a poignant glimpse into the domestic life and personal affections of ancient Roman residents in Asia Minor.
I find it hard to believe the Romans were this sentimental. It humanizes them strangely, doesn’t it?
Does the inscription confirm these were specific individuals or just artistic ideals? I wonder if every wealthy Roman home had a pet mosaic.
I am stunned that someone actually named their dog Ocean in the second century. That is a bold choice for a coastal home!
It is delightful to see pets immortalized like this. Emerald and Ocean must have been truly cherished in their time.