Archaeological Museum of Patra:
Mosaic floor with a scene of the hunt for the Calydonian boar
From a Roman roadside residence in Patras.
The scene is composed in three sections and nine human figures are depicted. The female hunter Atalanti can be seen on the left, with Meleagros nearby, Polydeukis, the horserman is behind them in the background.
The group on the right includes Aigaios (whose figure is badly preserved). He is injured and sitting on a rock supported by his brother, Epochos. In the same group well-dressed Amphiaraos is hastening to attend to Aigaios’ wound. Kastor is seen on a horse.
In the centre, the boar is running into the lake. In front of it and to the side there are two dogs and behind it there are two male figures. It is possible the defeated figure is Theseus and that it is his friend, Peirithous, who is standing, holding a javelin. The scene is surrounded by a wavy band.
This is the most complete example of such a scene preserved on a mosaic floor. According to Pausanias, after the destruction of Calydon, the cults of the area (devoted to Artemis and Dionysos), as well as the statues of the gods were transferred to Patras. Perhaps the scene echoes this tradition, if we consider the impact of the Calydonian cults and especially that of Artemis on the religious life of the city.
Dated to the 3rd cent. A.D
Unreal as it is - considering my wild charisma and astounding work ethic- yet another hour passes that I do not enjoy a deliciously cold bubble tea. I have now been reduced to drinking vitamin water. Vitamin water.
Will no one hear my plea?: https://ko-fi.com/isabia (not for coffee though, for bubble tea, and please include the tip for the delivery guy, don’t be cheap now. Also the bubble tea place closes at 5, so be considerate and buy me refreshments before that time)
