Image: Griffin Mosaic, 11C, Bitonto Cathedral, Bitonto, Italy

Detail of a perfectly preserved floor mosaic of a griffin dating from the 11th century. It is located in the ruins of a square building of unknown purpose (possibly a tower) on the west side of the early medieval basilica. It can now be seen through a glass panel in the nave and in the museum of excavations below. The griffin, which has the head and wings of an eagle and the body of a lion, was often used in Christian medieval art to symbolize the dual natures of Christ. Bitonto Cathedral, Puglia, Italy. Bitonto Cathedral, Bitonto, Italy.