The Abduction of Europa by Zeus

A scene from a mosaic found in Sparta (3rd century AD), depicting the abduction of Europa — the mythological figure after whom our continent is named — by Zeus in the guise of a bull.

According to Greek mythology, Zeus transformed himself into a white bull to abduct Europa, a Phoenician princess, and carry her to Crete, where she became the ancestral mother of Cretan ruling dynasties. The continent of Europe is traditionally said to derive its name from this mythological figure. Greece chose this motif deliberately, drawing on a story from its own mythology that is also regarded as the founding legend of the European idea.