The “Villa of Dionysus”, one of the most important architectural complexes of ancient Dion, was built around 200 AD and took its name from the exceptional mosaic depicting scenes from the life of the god Dionysus. It included a courtyard with an Ionic peristyle, a Roman-style dining room (tablinum) and smaller rooms. The most important area of the villa was the large banquet hall, approximately 100 sq. m., with an impressive multicoloured mosaic floor dedicated to the Dionysian cycle. In the centre there was a large composition, surrounded by smaller panels depicting theatrical masks. The mosaic separated the area where the banquet couches were placed from the free space of the hall and created the impression of a painted work of art. The central representation of the mosaic depicts the triumph of Dionysus. The god is presented naked on a chariot drawn by sea panthers, holding a rhyton (a ritual vessel used for libations) and a thyrsus (the principal sacred symbol of Dionysus), while he is accompanied by Papposilenus (the oldest, wisest and most trusted companion of Dionysus) and sea centaurs. The use of colours, especially the contrast between the white background of the ground and the deep blue of the waves, gives the figures a monumental character and enhances the impression of a painted composition. The rich decoration was completed by statues of imperial figures, deities and private individuals. The operation of the villa came to an abrupt end when a great fire, possibly caused by an earthquake, destroyed the building and transformed it into ruins.

http://odysseus.culture.gr/
https://www.dion-olympos.gr/ www.odap.gr 098_DION_PIERIA
https://digitalculture.gov.gr/