The mosaic of Theseus killing the Minotaur in the "House of Theseus" in Paphos Archaeological Park, Cyprus

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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 shows Theseus killing the minotaur The mosaic depicts the moment before Theseus’ victory: he is pictured grasping one of the Minotaur’s horns about to strike the killing blow with his club. The mosaic is quite beautiful and intricate. The pattern around the central picture depicts the labyrinth, with the chain representing Ariadne’s thread. Within the central picture there is a man on the left who is the god of the labyrinth. In the top left Ariadne can be seen and on the right the personification of Crete.

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Size: 5456px × 3512px
Location: Paphos Archaeological Park, Paphos, Cyprus
Photo credit: © Niall Ferguson / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: archaeological, archaeology, circular, cyprus, excavations, greek, minotaur, mosaic, myth, paphos, park, pre-history, roman, theseus