We ventured into the Nea Paphos Archeological site. Nea Paphos means New Paphos and was probably built by the last King of Cyprus, Nicoles in the 4th century BCE. On the site are four large and elaborate Roman villas with very well preserved mosaics. The ruins and the mosaics are listed on the UNESCO World Heritage certification. We had a great afternoon walking around and we even got to see some birds. The Crested Lark is a new lifebird!
This dragonfly was a bit stunned from running into the glass sliding doors
Off in the distance are the city walls
Some laughing doves are watching
There are drainage pipes which were part of the water supply system at the villas
The mosaics all have decorative borders much like a rug would have here in the House of Aion
It is a beauty contest, spoiler alert, Cassiopeia wins
All the players have their names above them
Riding a sea-centaur
About to be killed because he challenged Apollo to a the lyre playing contest
Dionysus sadly did not survive in this mosaic, but his horses and his carriage did
The walls were impressively thick
This room seemed to have an area for drainage all around the perimeter
The samd and gravel are covering some mosaics so that they are not exposed to the elements
The reception area had a large circular mosaic
Elevated walk ways gave us access to the center of the villa
Long hallways of mosaics
Battle with the Minotaur!
The woven design in the center
More gods hanging out
A mythical beast
Cupid is hunting
Deep withing the Villa of Aion circa 3rd to 4th century CE
Big is an understatement
More covered mosaics
Early wrestlemania
Amazon warrior
All the beasts love Orpheus, music sooths the savage beast
This was a pebble mosaic in monochrome. This sea monster, part woman, part dog and part fish holds the mast of a ship in her hands is from 3-4th century BCE
Love the design in the house of Dyonisus
An early brady bunch design
The 3-D effects are effective
It is a parade
Nice looking diety
Watch out for the snake
The peacock
Dog has got the back leg
Lions
Tigers
Certainly you knew that this was coming....and bears, oh my
I'll try not to boar you
A leopard too
Getting a head
Losing your head
ready to snap someone with that towel
Early drinking games
The first drunks
Silly Zeus is transforming again
The drainage system
The city walls
Amphitheater
A small look out tower for the modern folks
This is a "modern" lighthouse but is withing the Archeological area
Loving the sunny day
We are just a small distance to the sea
The doors are closed
Eurasian Greenfinch
Crested Lark
The city sprawling out in the distance
White Wagtail
European Starling
Wood Pigeon
UN peacekeepers?
Nice end to the dsay
Our balcony is the best for the sunset
Big and yellow
Then is is gone
Great view
Last light
Time to make diner
