The mosaics of Kos Island – The Story

Mosaics of Kos

A mosaic is a picture made by small pieces of coloured stones, wood, glass or other small coloured objects. During the Hellenistic and the Roman times, mosaics were an art form and they were used to decorate floors and courtyards of mansions and public buildings.

When the earthquake of 1933 destroyed most of the buildings of the town of Kos something amazing was unearthed. The ruins of the ancient city of Kos lay hidden beneath its modern alter ego, and so commenced a large venture of archaeological excavations, that would bring back to the light the lost treasures of Kos’ past.

Among the ruins, significant mosaic floors were found embellishing courtyards and walls in their elegant and impressive beauty. The most characteristic mosaics of Kos are the fish in the ocean floor mosaic found in Casa Romana, now displayed in the Archaeological Museum of Kos and the “Arrival of Hippokrates” mosaic that now embellishes the courtyard floor of the Museum.

More impressive mosaics in Kos can be found in the Casa Romana and Europe’s home, a Roman mansion where a gorgeous mosaic depicting Europe’s abduction by Zeus in bull form was discovered.

The centre of the Kos town is now an archaeological site all on its own. The findings of 1933 and those that followed were left in their original positions and the area was protected by the prohibition of building any new constructions. In the treasures of the town of Kos you will have the chance to admire countless mosaic floors and mosaic decorations, whereas a number of mosaics that have been moved and are on display in the Kos’ Archaeological Museum. Some have even been moved to the Grand Magister’s Palace in Rhodes Island and in the Archaeological Museum of Konstantinople (Istanbul).

For more information on archaeological sites of Kos, visiting hours and entrance fees please don’t hesitate to address the Diamond Deluxe Hotel’s concierge. For more on the Kos Diamond Deluxe Hotel visit https://goo.gl/odJgZE