Poseidon fighting the Giant Polybotes during the Gigatomachy. Side A of an Attic black-figure neck amphora by the Swing Painter, c. 540/30 BC.

According to Greek mythology, the island Nisyros was formed when Poseidon cut a part of Kos and threw it on the giant Polyvotis (Polybotes) to stop him from escaping. The ancient name of the Nisyros was Porphyris.

Polybotes was chased through the sea by Poseidon and came to Cos; and Poseidon, breaking off that piece of the island which is called Nisyrum, threw it on him., Apollodorus, Library and Epitome 1.6.2

Location: Louvre, Department of Greek, Etruscan and Roman Antiquities, Sully wing, Campana Gallery (F 226)

Photographer: Jastrow (2006)


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