It's rare for skeletons to put you at ease, let alone offer advice.

But archaeologists in Turkey have unearthed a mosaic depicting a happy skeleton including the uplifting and wise words: 'Be cheerful, enjoy your life'.

The unusual 2,400 year-old mosaic was found during excavations on the Syrian border province of Hatay.

A little humerus? Archaeologists in Turkey have unearthed a mosaic depicting a happy skeleton with the uplifting and wise words: 'be cheerful, enjoy your life'

This was the site of the ancient Greek-Roman city of Antioch, which now boasts Turkey's largest collection of ancient mosaics.

The striking skeleton mosaic, is, like many, composed of tiny meticulously pieces of stone, with a striking black background that makes the image look foreboding, before viewers read the Greek text.

The result may arguably be akin to a modern motivational poster.

A bone-a fide discovery: The The striking skeleton mosaic, is, like many, composed of tiny meticulously pieces of stone, with a striking black background that makes the image look foreboding, before viewers read the Greek text. It's part of a larger piece that would have decorated a luxurious dining room

No bones about it: The skeleton in the mosaic is surrounded by bread and an amphora, making it a fitting scene for a luxurious dining area. A picture of an expert cleaning the mosaic is shown above

THE CITY OF ANTITOCH The ancient city of Antioch was established by Seleucus I Nicator in the 4th century BC. He was one of Alexander the Great's generals. The Greek-Roman settlement is famous for being the first place where the followers of Jesus were referred to as Christians. Hatay is known for its Roman-era mosaics dating back to the second and third centuries BCE. Advertisement

It is part of a larger piece which includes two figures, one of whom wears a toga and sandals and is reaching towards what looks like a moon.

The jovial skeleton is seen reclining on what looks like a cushion and holding a drink, as if to toast the health of people walking over it.

Experts believe it would have decorated a luxurious dining room, where wealthy guests may have lounged eating local delicacies in the third century AD.

The skeleton in the mosaic is surrounded by bread and an amphora, making it a fitting scene for a luxurious dining area.

Archaeologist Demet Kara of Hatay Archaeology Museum said the mosaic is unique in Turkey but a similar one has been found in Italy, according to Turkish news agency Anadolu.

However, she said this one is more complete and is therefore a unique piece.

The unusual 2,400 year-old mosaic was unearthed during excavations on the Syrian border province of Hatay (shaded red on this map)

Archaeologist Demet Kara of Hatay Archaeology Museum said the mosaic is unique in Turkey but a similar one has been found in Italy. A mosaic from Pompeii showing a skeleton holding two pitchers is shown above

The skeleton was a popular motif in homes in the ill-fated Roman city of Pompeii.

One almost cartoon-like artwork shows a skeleton holding two pitchers in its hands, while another more sinister mosaic bears the thought provoking motto 'know they self'.

The Romans liked putting mottos and phrases in their elaborate flooring, with one of the most famous examples, also from Pompeii, bearing the humorous greeting, of 'Cave Canem'.

This translates as 'beware of the dog' and welcomed guests to 'the House of the Tragic Poet'.

Another more sinister artwork (shown above) bears the thought provoking motto 'know they self.' This mosaic shows death lying next to a scythe and decorated the floor of a Pompeiian villa