Terrace Houses Nereid mosaic Ephesus

Nereid Mosaic at Terrace Houses Ephesus, Turkey

​Mosaic features depictions of Triton, son of Poseidon, the Sea Nymphs known as the Nereid and the mythical sea horse known as Hippocampos.

The use of reds, greys, yellows and browns and contrasting the light and dark on the off white cream background give the piece great depth and vivacity.

According to Mythology A child was born to Poseidon and Amphitrite after their wedding under the sea. 
However the child was a Merman, half man and half fish as seen in this mosaic.

In Art, Triton was generally depicted with the Mermaids known as the Nereid.

This particular House is the only dwelling with a kitchen, the heart and pipes are still visible.

The room east of the Two Rooms of the north of the Atrium was used as a dining room.

The square area in the southwest of the courtyard was the latrine, this latrine which could be used by more than one person at a time, had an arched entrance and both clean water and waste water systems.

Parts of the supports that held up the sitting blocks remain intact. 
Both hot and cold water would flow from the founts in front of the dining room, kitchen and latrine. 

Nevertheless most houses retained a well or cistern as the water system would often malfunction.

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