Archaeological evidence suggests that the construction of the villa probably started in the second half of the 2nd century A. D. upon ruins of earlier houses of the Hellenistic and early Roman periods. The building existed until at least the early 7th century A. D., but in its final period was occupied by squatters who caused great damage to the once rich decoration of the rooms. Traces of squatter occupation are visible in various places in the form of lime kilns (in Room 44), circular ovens (in Rooms 40—41, 65), and small compartments (Room 28). The plan of the villa, inspired by Hellenistic tradition, is that of a peristyle building. There are four wings each comprised of several rows and rooms, situated on the four sides of a large central court which probably had colonnaded porticoes on three sides: the south, the west and the east. The floor of all three porticoes was decorated throughout with geometric mosaics while the courtyard was left unpaved. The edifice grew horizontally rather than vertically, covering several insulae (blocks of houses) of the existing grid of Hellenistic streets. It measures over 120 m. east to west and over 80 m. north to south. In the later Roman period a new street had to be opened along its eastern facade. Only in some parts was the building provided with an upper storey (see stairs in Rooms 21 and 53). The villa underwent many alterations and enlargements, particularly in the course of the 4th century A. D. Its initial plan, however, displays a clearly defined division of functions. The official and the domestic parts are well separated. The plan, the size, the rich decoration, marble statues, marble revetment of walls, fine mosaics and wall paintings, and a Latin inscription which is very rare in Greek-speaking Cyprus, and mentions the execution of porticoes, suggest that the edifice served as a villa publica, an official residence, possibly for the governors / proconsuls of the province of Cyprus. The Villa of Theseus is the largest residential structure of its type found on the island so far and one of the largest in the Mediterranean.

18, 19 — residential area
21 — room with stairs
28, 41, 44, 65 — official area
36 — recreational room, Theseus mosaic
39—40 — main hall, Achilles mosic
50 — Eastern portico
53 — room with stairs
55—67 — bath complex
55 — apoditerium
56 — frigidarium
57 — cella unctuaria for anoinments
58—59 — basins
60 — latrine
61 — tepidarium
62 — caldarium
63 — sudatorium
64 — apoditerium
66 — oven
66A — water tank
69 — vestibul
71—72 — atrium
76 — Poseidon mosaic
92—93 — entrances to the household and dwelling areas