Paphos Archaeological Park
House of Theseus
As said earlier, we go into more detail about the various areas in separate blogs. I can tell you (as I have already written the relevent article) that the House of Theseus is the biggest known Roman House on the Island. You are looking at the southern wing, which was used for administration and ceremonial occasions - ie it was the public face of the house.
Towards the Lighthouse
It is a good idea to familiarise yourself with the lighthouse. It is visible from just about every part of the park, and is a useful waypoint should you get lost. It also makes it easier to place your pictures if you have spent the day wondering around the park taking photos.
And look at how nice and clear that mosaic is! That is what we meant by the benefit of going after a rain shower.
Theseus Reflections
There are more mosaics to see in the House of Theseus, but this is only a summary visit, so lets move on to the House of Dianysos, where the majority of the mosaics are.
Outside The House of Dianysos.
A handy puddle can transform a location. There is also an information sign here:
The House of Dionysus (2nd – 4th cent. A.D.)
The area has been excavated by the Department of Antiquities of Cyprus and was the first house with mosaic floors to be discovered in Pafos. The house consists of a peristyle atriu7m with a garden pool and about forty rooms on all sides. All the communal rooms and halls around the atrium are paved with mosaic floors. Near the atrium a pebble mosaic representing the monster Scylla was discovered. This is the oldest mosaic floor in Cyprus, belonging to an earlier building located under the House of Dionysus, dated to the early Hellenistic period.
The house was named after the figural scenes inspired by the Dionysus mythological circle, which decorate the reception hall. In the most prominent place, the triumph of Dionysus is represented. Other scenes represent Dionysos and Acme, Ikarios and the shepherds, Poseidon and Amymone, Pyramos and Thisbe and the metamorphosis of Daphne. On the floor of the reception room, a large vintage scene is represented while a series of hunting scenes is represented on the floors on three sides of the atrium. Other rooms of the house are decorated with scenes depicting Hippolytos and Phaedra, Zeus and Ganymedes, Narcissus and the personification of the four seasons. Finally, other rooms are decorated with multicoloured geometrical compositions and other decorative motifs.
Acres of Ruins
As well as the covered areas, there are large amounts of ruins scattered around. These are from the 4th-5th century Roman times, but just about all parts of Cyprus History gets a mention at some point in the park.