This image is a byzantine mosaic depicting a griffin attacking a deer creature. It was found during the excavation of the Great Palace of the Byzantine Emperors that was built by Constantine the Great in 4th century CE and was later restored by Justinian I in the 6th century. Archaeological excavations began in the 1930s and the excavated ruins became the home for the Mosaics museum in Istanbul holding many floor mosaics from the Byzantine period. The palace was half opened to the public in 1958 and is still currently open to the public. The mosaics in the palace are some of the best examples of the Roman period. They describe the mythological motifs, animals, hunting scenes, games, people, etc. of the Roman times. This mosaic is held in the Great Palace Mosaic Museum in Istanbul, Turkey. This mosaic was on the floor or the palace as a decoration and was made out of pebbles, glass, and other stone tesserae. The Griffins in the palace could have been seen as guard like creatures because Griffins are a tribe of the beasts that guarded riches and gold deposits in certain northern or eastern mountains. Sources: http://www.theoi.com/Thaumasios/Grypes.html http://greatistanbul.com/great_palace.html
