The Villa of Mysteries
The Villa of the Mysteries also known as Villa dei Misteri is a well preserved Roman Villa located north-west of Pompeii. This site is renowned for its unusual feature, a room adorned with a finely preserved second-style fresco. It is a vibrant
megalography (Greek for ‘large painting’) series, illustrating the rituals practiced by the mysterious Cult of Bacchus (Roman equivalent of the Greek god Dionysus).
megalography (Greek for ‘large painting’) series, illustrating the rituals practiced by the mysterious Cult of Bacchus (Roman equivalent of the Greek god Dionysus).
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The Greek god Dionysus, like many other mythological figures and faiths, were adopted by the Roman Empire after there conquer over Greece. The Roman god Bacchus became the equivalent of the Greek god Dionysus. Ritual practices and cults were inspired out of either the fear or love for various aspects of life and nature. The sole purpose of these religions was the establishment and strengthing of a relationship between the gods and mortals.
Because Bacchus was the god of wine, fertility and mystical ecstasy his cult very popular amongst the Roman Empire. The cults followers consisted mostly of women and slaves but soon increased in male members. Festivals were held in his honour, most of these celebrations were infamous for their sexual and criminal themes. The dedicated Bacchus festivals grew so out of hand that they were banned by the Roman Senate in 186 BCE.
Because Bacchus was the god of wine, fertility and mystical ecstasy his cult very popular amongst the Roman Empire. The cults followers consisted mostly of women and slaves but soon increased in male members. Festivals were held in his honour, most of these celebrations were infamous for their sexual and criminal themes. The dedicated Bacchus festivals grew so out of hand that they were banned by the Roman Senate in 186 BCE.
Conclusion:
Although the eruption of Mt Vesuvius created tragedy upon the city, killing and burying everything in it's path, all of the buildings and their contents were well preserved for centuries under the volcanic ash. Pompeii has become a prime source of knowledge on ancient Roman art and décor since there is a scarce number of paintings found outside Pompeii (and Herculaneum) that have survived that era. The excavated houses of Pompeii gives a demonstration on the kind of ideas, themes and styles that were used to decorate a Roman household.
Although the eruption of Mt Vesuvius created tragedy upon the city, killing and burying everything in it's path, all of the buildings and their contents were well preserved for centuries under the volcanic ash. Pompeii has become a prime source of knowledge on ancient Roman art and décor since there is a scarce number of paintings found outside Pompeii (and Herculaneum) that have survived that era. The excavated houses of Pompeii gives a demonstration on the kind of ideas, themes and styles that were used to decorate a Roman household.