The Skeleton Mosaic

In 2012, archaeologists in Southern Turkey discovered a well-preserved mosaic featuring a skeleton with bread and a pitcher of wine. The inscription reads in Greek “Be cheerful and live your life.” Dating to the 3rd century BCE, the mosaic adorned the dining room of a wealthy villa in the ancient city of Antioch. The mosaic was excavated during construction in Hatay Province and is now housed at the Hatay Archaeology Museum in Turkey. While scholars argued about the translation, a common theme, some pointed to the mosaic beside the skeleton.

TRECHEDEIPNOS with AKAIROS below it. The first word is used referring to human parasites. AKAIROS is something like ‘ill-timed’ or ‘pesky’. Staring at a sundial (he is late) he's rushing so much that he lost a shoe.

Sadly the third mosaic was damaged beyond recognition. The sentiment being expressed is not as obvious as it's made out to be. It seems the true message is more akin to Solon’s warning to Croesus to count no man happy until they’re dead.

See ----- Gold of Croesus