Near the summit of Saffouriyh (Sepphoris), just southeast of the Citadel a large Roman Villa was discovered . It was Built early in the 3rd century A.C. and apparently destroyed in a severe earthquake in 363 A.C. The villa is measured 40 x 23m,  and has an interior courtyard surrounded by columns on three sides. On the northern side the living quarters have been preserved, including the dining hall (triclinium).

The rooms of the house were covered with colorful mosaics. Prominent among them is that of the triclinium (dining hall), depicting scenes from Dionysos' life and cult. Within a frame of medallions surrounding the central section of the floor, is the portrait of a woman of rare beauty, known as the "Mona Lisa of the Galilee".

 Various panels depict a number of scenes from the life of Dionysus, including the bathing of the god at his birth, his upbringing by the nymphs of Mount Nysa, his triumphal procession on his return from India, and his marriage to Ariadne. Other scenes illustrate various aspects of the

Dionysiac cult, such as the treading of grapes, shepherds, and gift-bearing.

The central panel is devoted to a drinking contest between Dionysus and Herakles. Two other panels depict Dionysus and Herakles drunk.

Triclinium Mosaic 

Overview of the mosaic in the “triclinium” (dining hall) of the Roman Villa.

Along the near edges (right and left) note the plain white mosaic portions.  These are the areas where the dinners reclined, and thus they are quite plain.

In the center section are fifteen panels that depict scenes associated with the life of Dionysus, the good of wine and merriment in Greek mythology.

View of the outstanding female head located at the north end of the triclinium.

Note the small naked image, with a bow, to the left of the head.  This may be “cupid” and the female head may be that of the goddess Aphrodite—the goddess of love.

This image is sometimes referred to as the “Mona Lisa of Galilee!”

View of the “procession scene” located on the west side of the Dionysus Mosaic.  The people in this procession are carrying gifts and may be on their way to worship at a shrine of Dionysus.

View of the “bathing of Dionysus” by the Nymphs just after his birth—the rectangular image just right of center.

At a right angle above it’ is a vertical representation of a centaur (half-horse, half-human) leading three persons bearing gifts.

View of the eastern portion of the “procession” mosaic that surround the Dionysus one. In the center of the image a female playing a double flute is visible as are three other figures and a goat. 

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