Floor Mosaic The Punishment of Dirce, Pula

While clearing rubble after the bombing of Pula during World War II, workers made an unexpected discovery: the Punishment of Dirce mosaic. Perfectly preserved beneath the ground for more than a thousand years, the Roman floor mosaic measures approximately 20 by 40 feet. It once formed part of an elegant Roman villa that occupied a desirable location in the ancient city.

The mosaic depicts the mythological punishment of Dirce. Dirce was the second wife of King Lycus of Thebes and was intensely jealous of his first wife, Antiope. She treated Antiope cruelly and attempted to have her imprisoned. Antiope was eventually rescued by her twin sons, Amphion and Zethus.

The twins were the sons of Zeus, although Lycus was unaware of their divine parentage. Amphion and Zethus killed Lycus and punished Dirce by tying her to a wild bull, which dragged her to her death across the rocks.

The mosaic is divided into several panels, most of which contain geometric patterns, leaves, and mythical creatures. The central panel illustrates the dramatic punishment of Dirce, showing the twins restraining the bull as their victim faces her fate.

Depictions of Dirce’s death are relatively rare, making the mosaic particularly significant. Another celebrated representation of the same myth can be seen in the Vatican Museums. Known as the Farnese Bull, the monumental ancient sculpture portrays Dirce, the bull, and the twin brothers at the moment of her punishment.