Dionysos punishing the pirates |
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Origin: Dougga (Thugga) Dating: III century A.D Materials: Marble |
Corresponding to this mosaic pavement, another panel depicts another Homeric scene. It is about the VIIth hymn relative to Dionysos’ victory over the Tyrrhenian pirates. Portrayed as an adolescent, the god is accompanied by a Satyr mentor, a Bacchant, and an old Silene. At his feet, a panther seems to be jumping off the boat to attack one of the pirates and devour him. The pirates, who are terrorized by the god-adolescent, jump into the water to become dolphins. Two small boats evolve on both sides of the divine boat; one of them is carrying three characters, most likely fishermen, and the other is carrying two lovers. |
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