The Sirens

Illustration

Carole Raddato
by
published on 14 October 2024
The Sirens Download Full Size Image

Detail of the Odysseus and the Sirens mosaic from Dougga (Tunisia) depicting Odysseus' encounter with the Sirens. The three Sirens stand on a rocky island. The creatures are depicted with the legs and wings of birds and hold a variety of musical instruments. Their irresistible songs are said to enchant and hypnotize those who hear them, often leading sailors to shipwreck on rocky shores. (The Odyssey, Homer, 39-54). The mosaic is dated to the 2nd century CE.

Bardo National Museum, Tunisia.

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About the Author

Carole Raddato
Carole maintains the popular ancient history photo-blog Following Hadrian, where she travels the ancient world in the footsteps of Emperor Hadrian.

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APA Style

Raddato, C. (2024, October 14). The Sirens. World History Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://www.worldhistory.org/image/19557/the-sirens/

Chicago Style

Raddato, Carole. "The Sirens." World History Encyclopedia. Last modified October 14, 2024. https://www.worldhistory.org/image/19557/the-sirens/.

MLA Style

Raddato, Carole. "The Sirens." World History Encyclopedia. World History Encyclopedia, 14 Oct 2024. Web. 19 Nov 2024.

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