This splendid mosaic of Artemis, the goddess of the hunt, is one of the many versions of a famous Greek statue of her made in the 4th century BC.

Also on display are other magnificent Eastern Mediterranean floor mosaics, carved tomb reliefs from Palmyra, stunning wall paintings from the Syrian-Lebanese coast, opulent Imperial Roman jewellery, and coins minted at Antioch.

Floor mosaic, Diana or Artemis (limestone tesserae, opus tessellatum), Byzantine, 5th century

Today the two great cities in the region, Antioch and Caesarea, survive as impressive ruins. Under Roman rule, many languages were spoken and written, including Aramaic, Syriac, Greek, Hebrew, as well as various other Semitic tongues.

Statue of Tyche of Antioch in a shrine (Bronze coin of Trebonianus Gallus), AD 251 – 253, Mint of Antioch.

Illustrating the Roman appreciation for "the good life" and extravagant living, visitors can explore a wide range of exceptional jewellery, including a collection of sinuously coiled snake bracelets.

Snake Bracelet (gold), Eastern Roman Empire, Egypt, 50 BC – AD 50.

Figurine Fragment, (earthenware), Petra, Jordan