Vandals cook meal on the mosaic of Europa

• Category: News

A pointless vandalism took place on a mosaic portraying the Abduction of Europa by Zeus, dating from the 3rd century AD. This mosaic was used by some unknown people to cook potatoes, causing serious damage to it. The vandals, who were apparently celebrating the second-last day of the drachma, the traditional Greek currency that will be totally replaced by euro, broke into the archaeological site to cook their meal. The vandals left after spraying obscene graffiti on the outer walls of the shelter.
Archaeologist Elpida Skerlou was concerned whether the serious damage caused on a corner of the historical mosaic could be repaired, as the heat may have transformed them into plaster. The mosaic once adorned a Roman villa that was situated below the citadel of ancient Kos.