The Villa of Theseus, Paphos

In Room 36 of the House of Theseus, you can find the mosaic that gave the name to the palatial complex: The mosaic of Theseus and the Minotaur. It is a true masterpiece and one of the highlights of the whole Paphos Archaeological Park. It is not to be missed by any means. The mosaic depicts Theseus about the hit the Minotaur with a deadly blow with spectators looking from a distance. Looking just South and East of the viewing platform you will notice a few rooms with mosaics and remains of red bricks and marble cladding. These are the luxurious Roman baths of the villa.

The mosaic of Theseus itself is fantastic, the pattern surrounding it representing the labyrinth and thread of Ariadne was an especially interesting detail. The row of collums further back seems to be a good and already poplular spot to take a new instagram picture. When compared to the neighboring House of Aion, the Villa of Theseus fall a bit short, though, as the architecture of the villa is barely explained, and the mosaic could be "presented" in a more suitable way - a sun roof or better placement of the viewing platform would make it easier to see and study it.

Beautiful mosaics all around the entire place, they have the remains of the houses under cover in bespoke buildings to protect them from the elements, the information boards are also very clear, in both Greek and English versions

House of Theseus 1) Mosaic of Poseidon and Amphitrite (second half of the 4th century AD) The scene depicts Poseidon, god of the sea, seated on a sea monster crossing the sea, accompanied by his wife, Amphitrite. Poseidon bears a halo on his head, and in his left hand, the god is holding a trident while embracing his wife. The scene is completed with two Cupids flying above the divine couple . 2) The first bath of Achilles (5th century AD) The newborn Achilles lies in the arms of his mother, Thetis who is shown in the center lying on a bed. This part of the scene has been greatly damaged. Achilles is also shown sitting on the knees of his nurse, Anatrophe (Upbringing), who is preparing to dip the infant in a cylindrical basin. Behind Anatrophe, is a personification of Ambrosia holding a jug of water. At the other end of the bed, King Peleus is sitting on his throne, holding a rod. Standing behind the throne are the three Fates: Clotho, with her characteristic spindle and distaff, Lachesis with her diptych, and Atropos, holding an open parchment. 3) Mosaic with Theseus (3rd - 4th century AD) This mosaic floor depicts the mythical duel between Theseus and the Minotaur in the Labyrinth of Crete. In the center 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 is the personification of the island of Crete and Ariadne. The scene is framed by successive decorative zones that symbolize the Labyrinth. The frame consists of a chain of diamonds and colorful tresses that symbolize the thread of Ariadne. [Inf].

Part of the Kato Paphos site. The mosaic is mind-blowing, thinking how long it must have taken to prepare it.