Sea monster. Detail of Amphitrite mosaic in the Terme di Nettuno (Baths of Neptune) at Ostia Antica, Italy.
Terme di Nettuno (Baths of Neptune), Ostia Antica, Lazio, Italy: sea monster in mosaic of Amphitrite (Greek goddess of the sea, wife of sea god Poseidon / Neptune). The complete mosaic depicts Amphitrite riding a hippocampus (small sea horse), preceded by Hymenaeus or Hymenaios (Greek god of weddings and among the Erotes, youthful winged gods of love) with a bridal torch. The Baths of Neptune were built in the 2nd century AD by Hadrian (117 - 138) on pre-existing baths built by Domitian (81 - 138); they were then restored at the end of the 2nd and 4th centuries. There are black and white mosaics around three sides of a rectangular court, including this Amphitrite mosaic. In the atrium is the mosaic that gives its name to the baths, depicting Neptune riding a quadriga (four-horse chariot) drawn by hippocampi and surrounded by winged gods riding dolphins, Tritons and sea animals. In the centre of the frigidarium is a mosaic of Scylla, the sea monster, in the act of striking a blow with an oar, in the midst of Nereids (sea nymphs) and Tritons, sea snakes and hippocampi. Ostia (from Ostium, Latin for mouth) lies about 15 miles (24 km) southwest of Rome. It was founded in the 7th century BC on the estuary or mouth of the Tiber as a seaport to serve Rome, but silting made the river change course and the site is now about miles inland. In the Republican era, Ostia grew into a thriving port, sending ships to Spain to supply Roman troops fighting Carthage. Ostia also thrived in the Imperial era and although the harbour began to silt up under Claudius (41-54 AD), it continued to supply Rome with provisions and treasures and reached peak prosperity in the 2nd century AD. It was eventually sacked by Visigoths and Vandals and was finally abandoned in the 9th century.
Size: 2779px × 4184px
Location: Terme di Nettuno, Baths of Neptune, Ostia Antica, Lazio, Italy
Photo credit: © Terence Kerr / Alamy / Afripics
License: Royalty Free
Model Released: No
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