A pebble mosaic floor Hellenistic era was discovered in Sinop, Türkiye, in the south coast of the Black Sea. The mosaic is a winged figure of Eros in the corner of the central panel with a palmette and wavy motifs on the edges. It dates from the middle of the 4th century BC. Archaeologists believe that they paved the floor of the dining room of a wealthy family.
The floor was found in the Balatlar building complex, a structure in the historical center of Sinop that was used in various ways as residential buildings, public baths, a monastery and a church from the Hellenistic era until the 20th century. Excavations at the site began in 2010. 
since then, architectural features and artifacts from many phases of its settlement have been discovered. This is the first pebble mosaic found at this site in 11 seasons of excavation. They are rarely found in buildings from the Classical and Hellenistic periods.
The city of Sinop was founded by Greek colonists from Miletus in the 7th century BC. He established trade relations with other cities on the southern Black Sea coast and extended them inland to great prosperity between the 4th and 1st centuries BC. Cynic philosopher Diogenes who carried a lamp during the day in search of an “honest man”.
The excavation of the mosaic floor is ongoing. The floors will then be stabilized and conserved with the ultimate goal of exhibiting them in situ as part of the archaeological park of the Balatlar building complex.
Metin Suren, director of culture and tourism in Sinop expressed the importance of this discovery and said: “Sinop is of great importance in terms of its mosaic heritage. Previous excavations have already unearthed several magnificent mosaics in various locations. However, the ongoing excavations at the Balatlar building complex, diligently carried out by the ministry for over ten years, have now led us to a remarkable mosaic layer composed of pebble stones. These mosaics date back to the Hellenistic period, offering a breathtaking glimpse into the city’s ancient past.”
