---
title: Mosaic of Dirce
author: Carole Raddato
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/14328/mosaic-of-dirce/
format: machine-readable-alternate
license: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/)
updated: 1970-01-01
---

# Mosaic of Dirce

_Authored by [Carole Raddato](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/FollowingHadrian/)_

## Image File

[![Mosaic of Dirce](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/14328.jpg)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/14328.jpg)

## Image Caption

The [mosaic](https://www.worldhistory.org/Mosaic/) of the Punishment of Dirce in Pula (Croatia) was found in 1959 during construction work near the Chapel of St. Mary Formosa, and it has been completely preserved. The multicoloured mosaic floor, dated to the 3rd century CE, covered the whole floor of the central room of a [Roman](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Roman/) residential house. The central panel depicts the myth of the Naiad-[nymph](https://www.worldhistory.org/nymph/) Dirce, the wife of Lycus of [Thebes](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Thebes/), who, as punishment for the mistreatment of her niece Antiope, was tied to a wild bull and torn limb from limb.

#### Editorial Review

This human-authored image has been reviewed by our editorial team before publication to ensure accuracy, reliability and adherence to academic standards in accordance with our [editorial policy](https://www.worldhistory.org/static/editorial-policy/).

## About the Author

Carole maintains the popular ancient history photo-blog Following Hadrian, where she travels the ancient world in the footsteps of Emperor Hadrian.
- [Facebook Profile](https://www.facebook.com/FollowingHadrian)
- [X/Twitter Profile](https://twitter.com/carolemadge)

## Cite This Work

### APA
Raddato, C. (2021, June 22). Mosaic of Dirce. *World History Encyclopedia*. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/14328/mosaic-of-dirce/>
### Chicago
Raddato, Carole. "Mosaic of Dirce." *World History Encyclopedia*, June 22, 2021. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/14328/mosaic-of-dirce/>.
### MLA
Raddato, Carole. "Mosaic of Dirce." *World History Encyclopedia*, 22 Jun 2021, <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/14328/mosaic-of-dirce/>.

## License & Copyright

Submitted by [Carole Raddato](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/FollowingHadrian/ "User Page: Carole Raddato"), published on 22 June 2021. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/deed.en). This license lets others remix, tweak, and build upon this content non-commercially, as long as they credit the author and license their new creations under the identical terms. When republishing on the web a hyperlink back to the original content source URL must be included. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.