Uncovering the classics in the Sinai and Palestine campaign: the Australian First World War archaeological excavation of the Shellal Mosaic. Issue 2 (2nd April 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ross, Victoria; Midford, Sarah
• Is Part Of: History Australia. Volume 17:Issue 2(2020)
• Page Start: 308
• Page End: 327
• Publication Date: 2020-04-02
• Subjects: Ancient Rome -- Anzac -- archaeology -- classics -- World War I; Australia -- History -- Periodicals; Australia; History; Periodicals; 905
• DOI: 10.1080/14490854.2020.1756866
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1449-0854

Abstract

Abstract: Frontline rescue archaeology was not an unusual pursuit during the First World War, particularly in the Middle East. One example, undertaken by members of the Australian and New Zealand forces, was the excavation of the mid-sixth-century Shellal Mosaic during the Second Battle of Gaza in 1917. Led by the British-Australian chaplain, William Maitland Woods, the acquisition of this ancient relic from the Eastern Roman Empire is Australia's most well-known foray into frontline archaeology. Although the excavation is relatively well known, the reasons for excavation deserve closer scrutiny. Diverting men and supplies from a battlefield is a decision not undertaken lightly, so the perceived benefit of the outcome must outweigh any consequence of diminishing frontline resources. In the case of the Shellal Mosaic, it was hoped that the acquisition of an ancient relic would reflect well on Australians and the Australian military forces, who were dedicated to the preservation of classical culture. This article contends that the Roman mosaic was excavated because of an Australian sense of duty to preserve the archaeological remains of ancient European civilisation, as heirs to the classical past.