Mosaics of Paphos

When in 58 BC Cyprus is annexed to Rome, New Paphos was the capital of Cyprus. It was the only city on the island that has retained the privilege of minted coins during the Roman period. After the destructive earthquake of the 4th century.

AD moved the capital to Salamis, which changed its name to Constance, but the position of Paphos between other cities of the island remains paramount, and because the temple of Aphrodite in Palaipafo. The decline and the decline of the city began after the Arab invasions of the 7th century. AD With the reintegration of Cyprus in the Byzantine Empire again begins the development of the city, which continued during the Franks. Towards the end of that period the New Paphos declined again. The residents have slowly begun to be transported within, when the present town of Paphos (Estate).

From the New Paphos 1980, together with the archaeological site of Palaipafou, included in the list of World Heritage Monuments of UNESCO.
The House of Dionysos: luxurious building of the Roman period is the Hellenistic type of dwelling where rooms are developed around a peristyle courtyard, which was the core of the building. It seems that was built in the late 2nd century. AD and destroyed by the earthquakes of the principles of the 4th century. Of the 2000 square meters of building, the fourth is decorated with mosaic floors depicting mythological themes, vintage, game, etc. At the entrance of the house floor is made with sea pebbles, which depicts the legendary sea monster Skyllas, and belongs to an earlier Hellenistic building.
The House of Orpheus: as the house of Dionysus is a luxurious house belonging to the Hellenistic type of home. Dated to the end of the 2nd-early 3rd century. AD And decorated with mosaic floors significantly. The greatest shows an excellent quality representation of Orpheus among the animals. Important is that it saves the mosaic inscription indicating the name of the artist. Other mosaics depict the same house in Hercules and the Lion of Nemea and amazon with a horse.

The Villa of Theseus: built in the second half of the 2nd century. AD on the ruins of old houses from the Hellenistic and Roman period, and was inhabited until the 7th century. AD Given the large size (containing more than 100 rooms), it was the home of Roman anthypatou. Many rooms and three galleries around the central atrium, covered with mosaic floors. Three rooms on the south side of the building bearing mosaic floors that belong to three different phases. The oldest, dating to the end of the 3rd century. or early 4th century. To illustrate the Theseus fighting the Minotaur in the Labyrinth. In mosaic is evident that the subsequent repairs were probably after the earthquake of the 4th century. At the end of the 4th century. dating a mosaic floor showing Poseidon and Amfitriti. Finally, in the early 5th century. added a new mosaic in the main hall of the villa, which depicts the newborn first bath of Achilles.

The Mansion of the Century: only one part of the house has been excavated so far. Arched on the floor of the reception hall is the most spectacular mosaic of Paphos, dating to the first half of the 4th century. AD The high quality mosaic includes five tables show the number in newborn Dionysus, the Leda and the Swan, a beauty contest between Kassiopeias and Nereids, Apollo and Marsyas, and finally, the triumph of Dionysus. The rich décor and unique presence on personifications mosaics performances suggest that behind them lies a deeper meaning.

Tourism places to visit

Mosaics of Paphos

When in 58 BC Cyprus is annexed to Rome, New Paphos was the capital of Cyprus. It was the only city on the island that has retained the privilege of minted coins during the Roman period. After the destructive earthquake of the 4th century.