Theseus and the Minotaur Mosaic from Nea Paphos

Theseus and the Minotaur Mosaic
From the Villa of Theseus (Room 36), Nea Paphos, Cyprus
Date: Early 4th century AD

This spectacular Roman mosaic vividly captures the legendary battle between Theseus and the Minotaur, a central myth of classical antiquity. Discovered in the Villa of Theseus in Nea Paphos, Cyprus, the artwork showcases the technical skill and narrative power of late imperial Roman mosaic art.

The composition, rich in color and detail, not only reflects the aesthetic tastes of the period but also emphasizes the enduring cultural importance of mythological themes in elite domestic spaces.