The House of Eustolios

Eustolios of Kourion

These early Christian symbols are scattered throughout the house, depticting various birds, crosses, fish, creation and even one specific mosaic which openly declares that his home is protected by the much venerated signs of Christ.

Mosaic openly dedicating the House of Eustolios to the
Glory of Christ.

Perched on top of Kourion's south-facing cliffs, the complex is built from massive limestone blocks, and originally contained more than thirty rooms, as well as an enclosed garden, complete with a fountain and even a fish pond.

The House of Eustolios and the Kourion Amphitheater
seen from near the Earthquake House

Throughout the house can be found a multitude of beautiful mosaics, and even today it is easy to imagine how spacious, airy and above all lavish this public building must have been during its use.

View through the House of Eustolios from its bath complex

As is the norm with Roman Baths, this one contains three principal areas, the frigidarium, the tepidarium and the caldarium, which were used in this sequence by the building's patrons.

Part of the Bath Complex at Eustolios' House

As well as the bath complex, the House of Eustolios also contained meeting and dining halls, where much business was no doubt discussed by the citizens of Kourion.

View into Eustolios' House from outside the south portico

But of course it is Eustolios' own, private residence with its many beautifully preserved Christian mosaics which draws most visitors to this remarkable archaeological site. Aside from mosaics such as the one below, decked with numerous Christian symbols, the doorstep to one of the private home's wings holds the following, clearly devoted, mosaic inscription:

"The Sisters Reverence, Prudence and Piety tend the Platform
and this fragrant Hall."

Christian Mosaic depicting fish and bird motifs at the
House of Eustolios in Kourion

While the symbolism behind some of the mosaics is clear, it has become obvious to archaeologists that the meaning of others, although they are quite clearly part of an overall Christian design, has been lost through the span of ages.

The baths and public complex continued to serve Kourion's population up until the middle of the seventh century, when it was finally destroyed by the growing number of Arab raiders which began to appear at this time. Along with the rest of Kourion, it remained undiscovered until recent times.