The Abduction of Europe

Greek mythology tells that Europa was the daughter of Agenor and Telefasa. While gathering flowers on the shores of Phoenicia, she was abducted by Zeus, who, enamored of her beauty, taking the form of a white bull, carried her off to Crete where they celebrated their nuptials. From this union, Minos and Radamanthus were born. Subsequently, Europa married the Cretan king Asterion, who adopted her children. Since archaic times, ancient art has frequently depicted the moment of the abduction in various forms, such as painted pottery, sculpture, painting, mosaic, and even on coins.