Roman mosaic from Bulla Regia, Tunisia

Caption

Roman mosaic from Bulla Regia, Tunisia. This mosaic is from the House of Amphitrite in Bulla Regia. It shows the Triumph of Venus (Aphrodite), not the sea goddess Amphitrite it was once thought to show. Venus is being crowned by two flying figures, while being transported by the ichthyocentaurs (sea centaurs) Bythos (bearded, left) and Aphros (right). The cockle shell carried by Aphros signifies the birth of Venus. Most of the Roman buildings in Bulla Regia were built in the 3rd century AD. The mosaic floors at Bulla Regia are among the finest produced by the Romans. Photographed in 2007.