Many of these villas and their mosaic floors were discovered only during the past fifty years during archeological excavation.
Many of these sites are still being excavated today.
The houses are named after the subject of mosaics found there.
The most notable mosaic shows Dionysos on a chariot counseling the nymph Akme and drinking wine.
Other mosaics depict mythological, hunting and vintage scenes.
These mosaics cover about 550 square meters of floor.
Other mosaics found include one depicting Hercules and the lion of Nemea and another of Amazon.
The house was in use even after the catastrophic earthquake.
The houses principal mosaic shows Theseus killing the Minotaur.
These mosaics are less well preserved, and open to the elements.
The House of Aion is the smallest and basically contains one large mosaic showing five scenes.
At the top left is Leda and Zeus disguised as a swan.
In the top right corner is a picture of baby nymphs with the baby Dionysus.
The middle picture shows sea nymphs in a beauty contest, being judged by Aion.
