In a structure dubbed “The House of the Muses”, archaeologists have discovered three remarkably preserved mosaics, one depicting the nine muses themselves. The titular mosaic depicts eight female faces considered by Greeks as the mythical source of artistic inspiration. These eight circle around the ninth and chief muse named Calliope. The mosaics are made from colored glass tiles or tesserae. The second glass mosaic depicts Oceanus and his sister Tethys while third depicts a young man as yet unidentified.
(Mosaic depicting the nine Muses of Greek mythology. Image Credit: Ankara University)
(Oceanus and Tethys mosaic. Image Credit: Ankara University)
“The House of the Muses” is located in the ancient city of Zeugma, Turkey. At it’s peak, Zeugma was a confluence of cultural influences from the various empires encompassing the city’s position between the Taurus range of Anatolia and the Euphrates. These powers included Rome, Greece, and Macedonia – the city was founded by one of Alexander the Great’s generals. The three mosaics reflect the various artistic influences of the shifting and evolving political powers.
Discover more about the mosaics at Sci-News.
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