Archaeologists Find Ancient 'Playboy' in Greece - a Mosaic with Naked Satyrs

In the Greek city of Eretria, archaeologists have discovered a mosaic depicting naked satyrs from ancient Greek mythology. It could have been preserved for about 2.5 thousand years.

It is reported by Heritage Daily.

The pattern adorns the floor of a building found during excavations near the sanctuary of Apollo Daphniforos.

According to scientists, this artefact dates back to the fourth century BC.

The pebble mosaic depicts two ancient Greek deities, nature spirits with horns and a horse's tail. One of them is playing the flute and the other is dancing.

Scientists have suggested that the building could have been a banqueting hall with folding sofas for the participants of the party. The mosaic floor is planned to be studied in more detail.

In addition, the scientists noticed five graves at the excavation site dating back to approximately the fifth to sixth centuries AD. The burials led the researchers to believe that the site could have been used as a cemetery in early Christian times.

Source: Greek Ministry of Culture

Satyrs are famous characters in ancient Greek mythology, described as companions of the god Dionysus who lived in forests, mountains and pastures.

The Greeks originally depicted satyrs with equine features, while the Romans identified them with fauns and often depicted them as half-men and half-goats.

Satyrs were distinguished by their love of wine, mischief, and lust. Researchers have even found a bowl dating back to 520-510 BC that depicts satyrs masturbating at the same time.

In the fifth and sixth centuries BC, the polis of Eretria on the Greek island of Euboea was an important centre of trade and was imprinted in many historical events.