Flood of Deucalion in Attica. A.M. 2208

This is part of a group of drawings by British artist and book illustrator Edward Francis Burney, depicting scenes from Greek and Roman history and mythology. Deucalion's father, Prometheus, warned him of a flood that Zeus was going to send. In Greek accounts, Deucalion built a large chest, filled it with supplies, and he and his wife Pyrrha survived the deluge by floating in the chest for nine days and nights. Zeus' rain killed most Greek citizens, except those who had found refuge on high ground. In Roman accounts, the couple used a boat. When the chest came ashore, Deucalion made a sacrifice to Zeus. As thanks, Zeus offered him one thing he desired. Deucalion asked for a new race of people, which he and Pyrrha created by throwing stones over their shoulders. Deucalion's rocks turned into men and Pyrrha's turned into women. The Roman version of this part of the story is also different - see WAG 7665.