The mosaic, recovered in 1860s Reims, France and dated to the third century CE, shows about 35 different gladiatorial and hunting scenes, each surrounded by diamond or square-shaped decorations.
The item was described as a "one-of-a-kind artifact". Investigators say one of the men allegedly climbed onto the other’s shoulders.
The unusual phrasing has been described as bearing a protective function against the evil eye and negative energies.
The tomb belonged to an individual of high status within their community, from an important lineage in the Rio Grande area, lead archaeologist Julia Mayo said.
The study uses the technique of microarchaeology to examine the soil collected from 35 graves at the Skateholm I and II cemeteries in southern Sweden.
Archaeologists report nails driven into remains and deliberately scattered in tombs, indicating non-accidental postmortem 'crucifixion' as part of a dark funerary ceremony.
Researchers identified 19 different types of beads, whose shapes are reminiscent of plants that were harvested by Natufians, and were vital to their lives, such as wild barley, lentils, and peas.
While preparing a papyrus for the museum’s upcoming “Made in Ancient Egypt” exhibit, conservators noticed a thick white pigment lining the body of a jackal illustrated in one of the scenes.
New findings show that they systematically managed resources and reveal what they hunted, something even scientists did not expect.
Authorities say the artifact dates to the late Bronze Age and has been handed to the regional heritage department.
Dated to the Byzantine and Early Islamic periods (fifth to seventh century CE), the church is the sixth to be discovered at the site.
