A Gallo-Roman mosaic of exceptional quality has been discovered in Soissons during work on heating infrastructure. The mosaic floor combines two construction techniques concrete and tesserae (small cuboid tiles) laid in a geometric pattern making it what is known as a mixed pavement, a rare form that is even more rare in this size and quality.The mosaic dates to the late 1st century A.D. It consists of a square central panel 1.56 meters (51.4) on each side with a black-and-white circular medallion of interlocking triangles and diamonds laid in concentric circles. The nucleus of the medallion features lozenge shapes laid in an abstract floral design. The corners of the square have different motifs, one is a lotus-like flower, another is a dolphin.The dolphin is particularly notable for its artful rendering and its red fins. The use of color and the method of setting the tesserae can be a kind of artistic signature that allows archaeologists to trace pieces made by the same hand or workshop.It is also notable to find a marine mammal decorating a mosaic in an inland city like Soissons. Dolphins were popular in Roman art throughout the empire, and the inclusion of one in this mosaic is evidence of how far Roman standards of aesthetic taste spread in the early imperial period.This mosaic therefore shows the assimilation of the inhabitants to the Romanization of Soissons and that the current Saint-Crpin district was an ancient district between the 1st and 3rd centuries where the local elite lived .Many scientific questions remain, particularly regarding the combination of techniques used and the overall organization of the decoration, which have been little studied. A phase of in-depth analysis will now begin , with the assistance of specialists in Roman mosaics.Meanwhile, the Departments services are studying the possibility of removing this mosaic to ensure its preservation . The next steps will therefore focus on the removal, study, and restoration of this remarkable pavement, with the prospect of a possible public display.