Volubilis Mosaics
Labours of Hercules
The mosaic floor in this room had the 12 Labours of Hercules as its design.
Killing the Nemean Lion. Lions were found in the area in Roman times.
Capturing the Cretan Bull. The Cretan bull fathered the Minotaur – but that is another story.
Abduction of Hylas by the Nymphs
Another house with an obscure Herculean theme. Hercules’ son / lover was Hylas. While they were both on Jason’s Argo, Hylas was abducted by some Nymphs, prompting Hercules to give up being an Argonaut & go off in search of Hylas.
Diana in her Bath
The hunter Actaeon came to a sticky end for accidentally seeing Diana at her bath.
House of The Knight – Bacchus Discovering Ariadne
Another voyeur – obviously a popular theme. Shame about the poor reconstruction to parts of this mosaic.
The Acrobat
Our guide thought this mosaic showed a Fool trying to ride a horse backwards. According to my guide book it shows an athlete doing acrobatics on a horse. Not too sure who to believe.
The House of Orpheus
One of the most beautiful mosaics, unfortunately very badly damaged. Orpheus is playing his lyre in the centre, captivating all who hear it – including all the wild animals including dolphins (left) & elephants.
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