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DAVID'S HERITAGE
Byzantine Mosaic Representing David
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![Byzantine mosaic representing David](/web/20061029112544im_/http://www.warmuseum.ca/civil/israel/images/dss721as.jpg)
Byzantine mosaic representing David.
Collection of Israel Antiquities Authority, exhibited at The Israel Museum, Jerusalem
Photo © The Israel Museum, by Dr. Jean-Luc Pilon, Canadian Museum of Civilization
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The young warrior wearing a Roman tunic is surrounded by a sword,
shield and helmet. He is commonly identified as the young David with
Goliath's battle gear.
Mosaics of biblical scenes frequently adorned synagogue floors of
the Byzantine period. This one is probably related to the story of
David's victory over the giant Goliath, recounted at length in the 1st
Book of Samuel, chapter 17, a story that has inspired many artists.
The Aramaic inscription reads "Yudan son of Shimon Mani", probably
the name of the man who donated the floor to the synagogue.
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