The Judgement of Paris Mosaic

Illustration

Carole Raddato
by
published on 16 February 2016
The Judgement of Paris Mosaic Download Full Size Image

Mosaic depicting the Judgement of Paris, one of the preliminaries in the Trojan War story. The mosaic, dating to the second century CE, adorned a dining room in the house of a wealthy Roman in Antioch on the Orontes (modern-day Southeastern Turkey). The three goddesses, Athena, Hera and Aphrodite, present themselves to Paris (the son of Priam, king of Troy) in the contest for the golden apple. Hermes asked the young prince to judge a beauty contest between the three goddesses. Paris sits on a rock surrounded by his hounds and sheep. Beside him stands the god Hermes (the messenger of the gods), and above him, on a rock, a tiny winged Nike (Victory). The three goddesses stand together in a group. Athena wears the aegis, helmet and spear. Hera wears a crown and Aphrodite in the centre is accompanied by Eros, who stands on a plinth above her head. (Louvre Museum, Paris)

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About the Author

Carole Raddato
Carole maintains the popular ancient history photo-blog Following Hadrian, where she travels the world in the footsteps of emperor Hadrian.

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APA Style

Raddato, C. (2016, February 16). The Judgement of Paris Mosaic. World History Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://www.worldhistory.org/image/4555/the-judgement-of-paris-mosaic/

Chicago Style

Raddato, Carole. "The Judgement of Paris Mosaic." World History Encyclopedia. Last modified February 16, 2016. https://www.worldhistory.org/image/4555/the-judgement-of-paris-mosaic/.

MLA Style

Raddato, Carole. "The Judgement of Paris Mosaic." World History Encyclopedia. World History Encyclopedia, 16 Feb 2016. Web. 10 Oct 2024.

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