The mosaic of Zeus abducting Ganymede in the House of Dionysos in the Paphos Archaeological Park in Cyprus
Image details
Contributor:
Niall Ferguson / Alamy Stock PhotoImage ID:
F3N8YHFile size:
38.8 MB (3 MB Compressed download)Releases:
Model - no | Property - noDo I need a release?Dimensions:
3682 x 3682 px | 31.2 x 31.2 cm | 12.3 x 12.3 inches | 300dpiDate taken:
25 September 2015Location:
Paphos Archaeological Park, Paphos, CyprusMore information:
Paphos Archaeological Park (also Kato Pafos Archaeological Park) is located in Paphos, southwest Cyprus. It is situated near Paphos Harbour. Its sites and monuments date from prehistoric times through the Middle Ages. These include mosaic floors of four Roman villas, as well as Agora, Asklipieion, "Limeniotissa" Basilica in ruins, Odeion, "Saranta Kolones" Fortress, and "Tombs of the Kings". This mosaic (in the "House of Theseus") represents the abduction of Ganymede by Zeus, in the guise of an eagle. The myth recounts that Ganymede was abducted whilst tending his flock of sheep on Mount Ida near Troy. Zeus then brought Ganymede to Olympus to serve as the cup bearer of the Gods. Ganymede’s heritage is demonstrated in the mosaic, he holds a staff and wears the traditional Phrygian cap. In the Iliad Homer tells that Zeus provided horses of the immortals to Tros by way of compensation for the abduction of his son. Tros was also comforted at the thought that his son was immortal and as such would retain his youth. The mosaic is in exceptional condition in comparison to others and captures the moment of Ganymede’s abduction perfectly, however, the mosaicist appears to have miscalculated dimensions, resulting in there being insufficient room for the left wing of the eagle