Paphos - House of Dionysos (Mosaics)

Near the Paphos harbor are the excellently preserved mosaic pavements of the Villa of Dionysos, among the finest in the Mediterranean area.
The mosaics, which mainly depict scenes from Greek mythology, were accidentally discovered by a farmer plowing his field.

Turning clockwise along the outer platforms are mosaics showing the figure of a man, various patterns of shapes and a depiction of a peacock.

At the back of the house is one of the best-known mosaics, depicting a Ganymede being taken back to Olympus by an eagle. They are very well preserved, especially the natural colors of the limestone. In the inner series, in the Atrium, there are four panels, mainly depicting hunting scenes.

In the first is a picture of Pyramus and Thisbe, the second Dionysos and Ikarios, the third Poseidon and Amymone and in the fourth Apollo and Daphne.

The most famous mosaic is that of the triumph of Dionysos with the God in a chariot drawn by leopards. Behind him are a gathering of followers engaged in various revelries.

The remaining mosaics show numerous hunting scenes depicting a wide range of animals, including tigers.