Orpheus Mosaic at Paphos, Cyprus

Orpheus Mosaic at Paphos, Cyprus, originally uploaded by Ken and Nyetta.

This is the mosaic that gives "The House of Orpheus" its name. Orpheus was the human who first invented music (or, depending on the version of the legend, learned music from Apollo) and his singing and playing was said to be so wonderful that the animals of the forest gathered around to listen, as shown in the mosaic. Actually, the most common Orpheus myths said that even the plants and rocks would draw near when he played.

The House of Orpheus is located just a little past the House of Theseus, near what would have been the ancient seashore of Paphos.

Leda and the Swan Mosaic at Kouklia, Cyprus

Leda and the Swan Mosaic at Kouklia, Cyprus, originally uploaded by Ken and Nyetta.

"Kouklia was the home to a cult of Aphrodite from at least 3,800 BC and was mentioned in many ancient texts, including Homer's Iliad. The temple complex is now largely in ruins but the many art treasures found there are now in museums in New York, Paris, London and Nicosia.

This is actually a copy of a 3rd century AD mosaic of Leda and the Swan at Kouklia. The original is in the museum but this copy was placed in the exact spot where the original was found."