Europa and Nereids Mosaic

The Europa and Nereids Mosaic is a Roman mosaic discovered in the ancient city of Zeugma, now in the town of Gaziantep, Türkiye. It is one of the largest and most well-preserved Roman mosaics in the world.

The mosaic depicts the Greek myth of Europa and the Nereids. Europa was a beautiful Phoenician princess who was abducted by Zeus, the king of the gods. Zeus transformed himself into a white bull and lured Europa onto his back. He then swam across the sea to Crete, where he revealed his true identity and made Europa his lover.

The Europa and Nereids Mosaic shows Europa riding on the back of the bull, surrounded by Nereids, who were sea nymphs. The Nereids are depicted as beautiful women with fish tails. The mosaic is thought to represent the power of love and the transformation of Europa from a mortal princess to a goddess.

The Europa and Nereids Mosaic was discovered in 2001 during excavations at a Roman villa in Zeugma. The villa was part of a wealthy residential district that was destroyed by a flood in the 6th century AD. The mosaic was found well-preserved beneath the mud and debris of the flood.