Story highlights Unearthed mosaic shows skeleton exhorting people to be cheerful and enjoy life

The 2,400-year-old mosaic is unique for Turkey, archaeologist says

(CNN) It's the ancient equivalent of "don't worry, be happy."

Turkish archaeologists have unearthed a 2,400-year-old mosaic that features a laid-back skeleton, reclining with a cup next to a bottle of wine and loaf of bread, surrounded by the wise words: "Be cheerful, enjoy your life," according to Turkey's Anadolu news agency.

Turkish media said that the image, which dates to the third century B.C., was discovered in 2012 during construction of a cable car in Antakya. The area was further excavated to look for additional artifacts.

Archaeologist Demet Kara says that the carefree fellow likely appeared in the dining room of a wealthy family's villa in the ancient Greek-Roman city of Antioch, known as an early center of Christianity, and possibly the place where followers of Jesus Christ were first called Christians.

She said that the mosaic was a unique finding for Turkey.

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