The Houses Of Aion And Theseus
Theseus and the Minotaur
This is the mosaic that gives the house its name. This picture doesn't do it justice, but raises an interesting point. If you want to take pictures, you need to think about your visit in advance. The time of day, and year, can play an important part. In the middle of summer, none of the shadows you can see here will be visible, as the sun will be directly overhead. However, the mosaic itself will be dusty, and less os a spectacle. An ideal time would be after a spring or autumn shower, with a fairly cloudy day, to minimise shadows.
Altered Image
During the course of constructing the virtual tour which accompanies these blogs, we visited the park on numerous occasions. We were able to take some shadow-free shots of the mosaic, and using some Photoshop trickery were able to show what the mosaic would look like from above.
There was another sign :
Mosaic With Theseus
3rd – 4th Century AD
The mosaic floor depicts in a medallion, the mythical duel between Theseus and the Minotaur in the Labyrinth of Crete. In the centre of the scene Theseus is depicted holding a club in his right hand, while with his left hand he grabs the horn of the Minotaur, who has fallen to his knees. On the left side of the scene is a personification of the Labyrinth as an old man watching the duel. Above the rocks are the personifications of the island of Crete and Ariadne.
The scene is framed by successive decorative zones that symbolise the Labyrinth. The frame consists of a chain of diamonds and colourful tresses that symbolises the thread of Ariadne.
The South Wing
It's mindblowing to think about how much of the ancient City of Paphos must still remain buried. This is all just one part of a very large house.
Nice Patterns
As you walk along the marked route, do take time to look at all the mosaics. Evem the edges have some lovely intricate patterns. I love the curves you can see herem and the alternating blue-yellow tiling.
Achilles' Bath
This is the next major mosaic on the route. From this angle, it is difficult to see what it depicts. However, with a little Photoshop Magic we can turn it round to have a closer look...
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Related Blogs:
Paphos Archaeological Park - Summary
We first blogged about the Archaeological Park a couple of years ago. It was a short blog, and focused mainly on the pretty spring flowers. Now we are returning, to give the rest of the park the attention it so richly deserves.Related Pages
MapThe Houses of Theseus and Aion
Once you enter the Archaeological Park, if you keep left, the first sites you will arrive at the The Houses of Theseus and Aion. Let's take a look at their mosaics and other attractions...
Video ClipPromo for our Archaeological Park Series
This is a promo for the series of articles we are about to publish on Paphos Archaeological Park. The fun will start on Sunday 23rd February.
Video ClipA Whistlestop Tour of Paphos Archaeological Park
This is a tour of the Archaeological Park in Paphos, designed to show you the sheer size of the place.
Good Pages To Visit
FB PagePaphos Life on Facebook
Like us on Facebook and stay notified of new blog posts.
FB PageOur Facebook Chat Group
Paphos Chat has been created for people who like our site and want to chat using Facebook. You can also easily upload photos of any size here. A lot of people are members of the Facebook chat group and the main forum. It's entirely up to you.
ListBlog Locations
Planning a day out? Then use our map of blog locations as a handy guide. Some of the places we visit our closer to each other than you might think, so take a look and start planning your next adventure...
eBookCyprus Road Trip 01: the Kathikas - Panagia Loop
Let me take you on a journey around the region of Paphos, Cyprus. Starting at Paphos itself, we travel to Akoursos, then Kathikas, Kritou Terra and Simou. We continue past Lasa and Kannaviou, before taking in the delights of Panagia. Getting a bit more adventurous, we visit the abandoned villages of Statos and Agios Fotios, before passing through Choulou, Letymbou and Polemi, and rejoining the main Paphos - Polis road.
The route is suitable for all types of vehicle, and requires no off-roading. The guide contains about 130 photographs including shots of all the road signs you need to pay attention to, as well as some of the highlights you may experience along the way.
There are also several maps which will help you keep your bearings.
You can do this journey in a day, or you can break it up into chunks. You can also do it in reverse, to get some completely different views. It is entirely up to you.
