No, the villa
did not belong to Alexander the Great, but to his namesake who lived in
Amyntaio near Florina.
The owners are
thought to be wealthy Roman officials with a pronounced preference for
everything Greek. The numerous floor mosaics cover an area of some 360 m2 and have much to tell
about Greek mythology. The mosaics of the Europa Hall are the best preserved
and include scenes like the Abduction of Europa, the Abduction of Dione, Pan
with the Nymphs, and Apollo on a Griffin.
The so-called
Nereids Hall is with its 90m2 the largest room and served as a reception hall
for the guests. They must have been impressed by the elaborate mosaics arranged
around a central fountain picturing sea nymphs seated on sea horses, cupids
riding dolphins, a number of fishing scenes among birds and fish, and framed with
the personification of the four seasons in the corners. This room also featured
statues of the gods that did not survive in the best condition but are still
recognizable as Hermes, Athena, and Poseidon. The remains indicate that these
statues were of exceptional quality for Roman copies of Greek originals made in
Attica .
A number of smaller items were also recovered from this room, such as statuettes, bronze and silver jewelry, and fragments of clay, bone, and glass objects.
A number of smaller items were also recovered from this room, such as statuettes, bronze and silver jewelry, and fragments of clay, bone, and glass objects.
Another room has been labeled as the Beast
Warrior Hall after the floor mosaic showing a male figure being attacked by a
lion. It is thought that the subject could refer to an actual fight that
celebrated the emperor.
Excavations are still ongoing since only one-third of the complex has been exposed so far. Work will continue this summer
and hopes are high to make more fascinating discoveries.
[Picture Credit: Thessaloniki Ephorate of Antiquities]
[Picture Credit: Thessaloniki Ephorate of Antiquities]
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