Archaeologists find 2,400-year-old mosaic of skeleton drinking wine, saying 'enjoy your life'

A delightful 2,400-year-old mosaic discovered in southern Turkey might very well be the original YOLO. In ruins originally uncovered in 2012, archaeologists have found tiles that depict a skeleton reclining with a pitcher of wine and loaf of bread alongside Greek text that reads, "Be cheerful, enjoy your life."

Archaeologist Demet Kara told Daily Sabah that the mosaic was located in the dining room of an upper class house from the 3rd century B.C. While a similar mosaic has been seen in Italy, the cheerful skeleton is the first of its kind to have been found in Turkey.

The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.

Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.

Sign up