Dionysus mosaic, Dion

The ancient site, with significant excavations and an archaeological museum, is located just outside the modern village of Dion in the Greek region of Central Macedonia in the coastal plain at the foot of Mount Olympus, about 15 km from Katerini and about 17 km from the ancient city of Leivithra.

The other Kentauer carries on his shoulder a closed vessel in which presumably the sacred symbols of the Dionysus cult are located.

The middle of the three masks of the lower (eastern) side shows Dionysus with long curls.

The masks above (west) of the Dionysosmosa form a young Satyr on the left and an older Silenius on the right.

The roof helped against the rays of the sun, but it was powerless against water and general decay.

From year to year the condition became worse: single mosaic stones dissolved from the ground, plants grew in the cracks, it was only a matter of time before this mosaic, which had remained largely intact for nearly two millennia, would be destroyed.

A special adhesive fabric and textile strips were applied to fix the remaining stones in their place.

With flat steel blades, which were cut into the holes at certain intervals, experts separated the mosaic from the ground.

Via a ramp the parts, weighing up to 500 kg, reached a trailer and were transported to the Archaiothiki.

With steam, the curators dissolved the special adhesive fabric and removed the attached protective materials.