Picturing Zeus and Europa

On the waterfront in the town of Agios Nikolaos (Saint Nicholas) on the island of Crete stands this 2012 Sculpture depicting Zeus and Europa. Zeus was the chief god in Greek mythology. His eye was caught by Europa, the daughter of the king of Phoenicia and he gained her trust on the Phoenician beaches disguised as a beautiful, friendly bull. Eventually Europa gained the confidence to ride on the animal's back. Zeus entered the Mediterranean Sea and took her to Crete (where he had spent his infancy). Their relationship lasted long enough to produce three children, one of whom was King Minos. He is credited with founding the first European civilisation which was based at Knossos on the island of Crete; his mother gave the continent of Europe its name. These stories are myths, but the Minoan civilisation of 4000 years ago was factual and magnificent.