Floor Mosaic with Peacocks and Kantharos Fountain

4th century
Ohrid, North Macedonia

The object in the center is a kantharos adapted to resemble a fountain. In ancient Greek iconography, the kantharos symbolized immortality. Here it symbolically represents Christ, and the peacocks represent those who thirst for him (Psalm 41:2). Traditionally the peacock is a symbol of immortality, which is what Christ offers through his sacrificial death and resurrection; but in images like this it may also represent the beauty of soul regained through baptism.

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Photo © by Jan Piebe Tjepkema