Latest news with #Dionysian
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Newly discovered Pompeii fresco sheds light on ancient Dionysian rituals
The Brief Archaeologists in Pompeii discovered a large fresco depicting Dionysiac rituals in an ancient banquet hall. The frieze, dating back to 40s-30s BC, shows a Dionysian procession with bacchantes, satyrs, and a female initiate. The artwork will be open to the public as part of ongoing excavation tours. POMPEII, Italy - Archaeologists in Pompeii have discovered a new fresco, a type of mural painting, giving them more insight into the Dionysiac rituals in the ancient world. Dig deeper Archaeologists found an almost life-size frieze, known as a "megalography" in an excavated banqueting room in Pompeii's Region IX. The megalography covers three sides of the room while the fourth side opens onto the garden. The frieze portrays the procession of Dionysus, the god of wine. It also depicts the bacchantes (also known as maenads) as portrayed as dancers, but also as ferocious hunters with slaughtered kid goats on their shoulders or holding a sword and the innards of an animal; young satyrs with pointed ears play the double flute, while another performs a sacrifice of wine in acrobatic style, squirting wine behind him from a drinking horn into a patera (shallow bowl), according to Archaeological Park of Pompeii. The center of the frieze shows a woman with an old Silenus who holds a torch, indicating that she is an initiate, a mortal woman who, through a nocturnal ritual, is about to be initiated into the mysteries of Dionysus, the god who dies and is reborn and who promises the same destiny to his followers. Archaeologists have named the home with the frieze as the "Casa del Tiaso" (House of Thiasus). It's a reference to the Dionysiac procession (thiasos). They believe the frize can be dated to the 40s-30s BC, which would be around the time of the eruption of Vesuvius, which buried Pompeii beneath a thick layer of pumice and ash in AD 79. What they're saying "In 100 years, today will be seen as historic," the Minister of Culture Alessandro Giuli said in a news release. "Because the discovery we are showing is historic. The megalograph found in insula 10 of Regio IX provides another glimpse into the rituals of the mysteries of Dionysus. What's next The newly discovered frieze will be on public display as part of excavation tours. The Source The information in this story comes from the Archaeological Park of Pompeii, which provided details on the discovery, description, and significance of the fresco. This story was reported from Los Angeles.
Telegraph
26-02-2025
- General
- Telegraph
Secrets of female cult devoted to god of ecstasy unearthed at Pompeii
Archaeologists in Pompeii have unearthed a rare depiction of initiation rites into a secret female cult that centred on Dionysus, the ancient Greek god of wine, fertility and ecstasy. The vibrant frescoes depict female devotees of the cult hunting in the woods, killing and eviscerating wild animals and cavorting in states of ritualistic ecstasy. One holds a sword while another has the entrails of an animal in her hands. Some are already members of the Dionysian cult while others are being initiated through secret rites, which are still not fully understood by modern scholars. The frescoes are a rare pictorial representation of the cult which remains shrouded in mystery after 2,000 years. At the centre of the tableau is a depiction of an elegantly dressed woman who is about to be initiated into the cult. Known as the Mysteries of Dionysus, the initiation rituals promised spiritual enlightenment and a blessed afterlife. The frescoes were painted around 30 years before the birth of Christ. They complement famous frescoes in the nearby Villa of the Mysteries, which were uncovered 100 years ago. Together they are the only known depictions of the cult of Dionysus that have survived from the ancient world. The libertine women represent the stark opposite of how ancient Romans expected women in polite society to behave. 'They are the antithesis of Roman noble women who stay at home weaving, managing the house and looking after the children,' Dr Sophie Hay, a British archaeologist at Pompeii, told The Telegraph. 'They are terrifying hunters. They're eating raw meat. One has a dead deer over her shoulder, another is holding the innards of an animal. These women have abandoned living at home, gone into the woods and are living in the wilds. It's very rare to find pictorial evidence of these practices. It is a mysterious cult – the initiation rites were never written down.' The frescoes, featuring human figures that are almost life size, cover three sides of a large banqueting hall. The fourth side would have opened onto a garden or courtyard. 'For the ancients, the Dionysus followers expressed the wild, indomitable side of women – the woman who abandoned her children, her home and the city, who left the male-dominated order to dance freely, go hunting and eat raw meat in the mountains and forests; the opposite of the gentle woman who emulates Venus, the goddess of love and marriage, the woman who looks at herself in the mirror, who 'makes herself beautiful',' said Gabriel Zuchtriegel, the director of the archaeological site south of Naples. 'The frescoes have a deeply religious significance, although here their purpose was to adorn a room used for banquets and parties – a bit like when you see a poster of the Creation of Adam by Michelangelo in an Italian restaurant in New York, to create a bit of atmosphere.' Dionysian cults probably originated in ancient Greece in the second millennium BC. They then arrived in the Roman Empire around 200BC via Greek colonies that were established in southern Italy. A frieze that runs above the frescoes depicts both live and sacrificed animals, including a deer, roosters and a boar that has had its stomach split open with a knife. The images reflect the dual nature of Dionysian worship: revelry combined with primal sacrifice. There are also depictions of satyrs playing flutes. 'In antiquity there existed a number of cults, among which was the cult of Dionysus, which were open only to those who performed an initiation ritual,' said a statement from the archaeological site. 'These cults were called 'mysteries' because only the initiated could know their secrets. Often, they were connected to the promise of a better life, both in this world and in the one beyond the grave.' Alessandro Giuli, Italy's culture minister, hailed the frescoes as an extraordinary find. He said they represent 'something unique, of which there are few traces among archaeological testimonies that aren't simply literary sources. It truly represents an opening into an extraordinary world. Alongside the Villa of the Mysteries, this fresco forms an unparalleled testament to the lesser-known aspects of ancient Mediterranean life'. The frescoes are just the latest in a string of remarkable finds that have emerged from a period of intensive excavation at Pompeii, which was buried in ash and pumice when nearby Mount Vesuvius erupted in AD79. Around a third of the ancient site remains unexcavated. Last month, archaeologists discovered a private spa complex belonging to a member of the ancient Roman elite, complete with enormous plunge pool and hot baths. It is located next to the remains of a richly decorated dining hall, meaning that guests would have been able to enjoy a long, hot soak before attending a banquet. Other recent discoveries include the remains of a bakery, a laundry and a villa dining room with black walls decorated with scenes from the story of the Trojan War.
Yahoo
26-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Secrets of female cult devoted to god of ecstasy unearthed at Pompeii
Archaeologists in Pompeii have unearthed a rare depiction of initiation rites into a secret female cult that centred on Dionysus, the ancient Greek god of wine, fertility and ecstasy. The vibrant frescoes depict female devotees of the cult hunting in the woods, killing and eviscerating wild animals and cavorting in states of ritualistic ecstasy. One holds a sword while another has the entrails of an animal in her hands. Some are already members of the Dionysian cult while others are being initiated through secret rites, which are still not fully understood by modern scholars. The frescoes are a rare pictorial representation of the cult which remains shrouded in mystery after 2,000 years. At the centre of the tableau is a depiction of an elegantly dressed woman who is about to be initiated into the cult. Known as the Mysteries of Dionysus, the initiation rituals promised spiritual enlightenment and a blessed afterlife. The frescoes were painted around 30 years before the birth of Christ. They complement famous frescoes in the nearby Villa of the Mysteries, which were uncovered 100 years ago. Together they are the only known depictions of the cult of Dionysus that have survived from the ancient world. The libertine women represent the stark opposite of how ancient Romans expected women in polite society to behave. 'They are the antithesis of Roman noble women who stay at home weaving, managing the house and looking after the children,' Dr Sophie Hay, a British archaeologist at Pompeii, told The Telegraph. 'They are terrifying hunters. They're eating raw meat. One has a dead deer over her shoulder, another is holding the innards of an animal. These women have abandoned living at home, gone into the woods and are living in the wilds. It's very rare to find pictorial evidence of these practices. It is a mysterious cult – the initiation rites were never written down.' The frescoes, featuring human figures that are almost life size, cover three sides of a large banqueting hall. The fourth side would have opened onto a garden or courtyard. 'For the ancients, the Dionysus followers expressed the wild, indomitable side of women – the woman who abandoned her children, her home and the city, who left the male-dominated order to dance freely, go hunting and eat raw meat in the mountains and forests; the opposite of the gentle woman who emulates Venus, the goddess of love and marriage, the woman who looks at herself in the mirror, who 'makes herself beautiful',' said Gabriel Zuchtriegel, the director of the archaeological site south of Naples. 'The frescoes have a deeply religious significance, although here their purpose was to adorn a room used for banquets and parties – a bit like when you see a poster of the Creation of Adam by Michelangelo in an Italian restaurant in New York, to create a bit of atmosphere.' Dionysian cults probably originated in ancient Greece in the second millennium BC. They then arrived in the Roman Empire around 200BC via Greek colonies that were established in southern Italy. A frieze that runs above the frescoes depicts both live and sacrificed animals, including a deer, roosters and a boar that has had its stomach split open with a knife. The images reflect the dual nature of Dionysian worship: revelry combined with primal sacrifice. There are also depictions of satyrs playing flutes. 'In antiquity there existed a number of cults, among which was the cult of Dionysus, which were open only to those who performed an initiation ritual,' said a statement from the archaeological site. 'These cults were called 'mysteries' because only the initiated could know their secrets. Often, they were connected to the promise of a better life, both in this world and in the one beyond the grave.' Alessandro Giuli, Italy's culture minister, hailed the frescoes as an extraordinary find. He said they represent 'something unique, of which there are few traces among archaeological testimonies that aren't simply literary sources. It truly represents an opening into an extraordinary world. Alongside the Villa of the Mysteries, this fresco forms an unparalleled testament to the lesser-known aspects of ancient Mediterranean life'. The frescoes are just the latest in a string of remarkable finds that have emerged from a period of intensive excavation at Pompeii, which was buried in ash and pumice when nearby Mount Vesuvius erupted in AD79. Around a third of the ancient site remains unexcavated. Last month, archaeologists discovered a private spa complex belonging to a member of the ancient Roman elite, complete with enormous plunge pool and hot baths. It is located next to the remains of a richly decorated dining hall, meaning that guests would have been able to enjoy a long, hot soak before attending a banquet. Other recent discoveries include the remains of a bakery, a laundry and a villa dining room with black walls decorated with scenes from the story of the Trojan War. Pompeii's villas, gymnasiums, bars and brothels were visited last year by more than four million people. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
The Independent
26-02-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Secrets of ancient Pompeii revealed in newly discovered frescoes
Archaeologists working in Pompeii have unearthed a series of rare, almost life-size frescoes. The discovery provides new clues into the religious life of the city before its destruction by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. It includes a large frieze extending across three walls of a banquet hall. The vivid images depict initiation rites for followers of Dionysus, the ancient Greek god associated with wine, fertility, theatre, and religious ecstasy. These initiation rituals, known as the Mysteries of Dionysus, were secretive religious ceremonies dedicated to the god. They promised spiritual enlightenment and potentially a blessed afterlife. Dating back to 40-30 BC, the fresco portrays Dionysian followers in states of ritualistic ecstasy, engaged in dancing and hunting. The artwork bears similarities to the frescoes of the nearby Villa of the Mysteries, discovered a century earlier. "In 100 years' time, today will be remembered as historic because the discovery we are presenting is historic," Italian Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli, who attended the unveiling of the frescoes, said. "Alongside the Villa of the Mysteries, this fresco forms an unparalleled testament to the lesser-known aspects of ancient Mediterranean life." The large frieze depicts female followers of Dionysus as both dancers and hunters, carrying slaughtered goats or holding swords and animal entrails. At its centre, a fresco shows an elegantly dressed woman, possibly awaiting initiation into the mysteries. The upper frieze displays live and sacrificed animals, including a fawn, a gutted boar, roosters, and fish. Researchers suggested this juxtaposition highlighted the dual nature of Dionysian worship, blending celebration with primal sacrifice. "The question is, what do you want to be in life, the hunter or the prey?" said the director of Pompeii, Gabriel Zuchtriegel. The once-thriving city of Pompeii and the surrounding countryside in southern Italy were submerged by ash when Mount Vesuvius exploded, killing thousands of Romans who had no idea they were living alongside one of Europe's biggest volcanoes. The archaeological site covers approximately 66 hectares (165 acres), with about 44 hectares fully excavated. The latest dig is in an area known as Regio IX which began in early 2023 and has so far revealed over 50 rooms. Some of the recent discoveries include a black salon depicting scenes from the Trojan War, an extensive bath complex and a fresco that depicts what might be an ancestor of the Italian pizza.
Yahoo
26-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Rare frescoes unearthed in Pompeii shed light on ancient rituals
By Crispian Balmer ROME (Reuters) - Archaeologists in Pompeii have uncovered rare, nearly life-sized frescoes that offer fresh insight into religious practices in the ancient city before it was destroyed by Mount Vesuvius in AD 79, the site said on Wednesday. The discovery features a large-scale frieze that spans three walls of a banquet hall, presenting vivid imagery of the initiation rites for followers of Dionysus - the ancient Greek god of wine, fertility, theatre and religious ecstasy. See for yourself — The Yodel is the go-to source for daily news, entertainment and feel-good stories. By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy. The initiation rituals, known as the Mysteries of Dionysus, were secretive religious rites dedicated to the god, promising spiritual enlightenment and possibly a blessed afterlife. The fresco, dating to 40–30 BC, presents vivid imagery of Dionysian followers in states of ritualistic ecstasy, dancing and hunting, resembling the frescoes of the nearby Villa of the Mysteries which were uncovered 100 years ago. "In 100 years' time, today will be remembered as historic because the discovery we are presenting is historic," said Italian Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli, who attended the unveiling of the frescoes. "Alongside the Villa of the Mysteries, this fresco forms an unparalleled testament to the lesser-known aspects of ancient Mediterranean life." The giant frieze illustrates the female followers of Dionysus as both dancers and fierce hunters, carrying a slaughtered goat on their shoulders or holding a sword and the entrails of an animal in their hands. At the centre, is a fresco of an elegantly dressed woman who is possibly waiting to be initiated into the mysteries. An upper frieze depicts live and sacrificed animals, including a fawn, a freshly gutted boar, roosters, and fish. Researchers said this juxtaposition underscored the dual nature of Dionysian worship, combining revelry with primal sacrifice. "The question is, what do you want to be in life, the hunter or the prey?" said the director of Pompeii, Gabriel Zuchtriegel. The once-thriving city of Pompeii and the surrounding countryside in southern Italy were submerged by ash when Mount Vesuvius exploded, killing thousands of Romans who had no idea they were living alongside one of Europe's biggest volcanoes. The archaeological site covers approximately 66 hectares (165 acres), with about 44 hectares fully excavated. The latest dig is in an area known as Regio IX which began in early 2023 and has so far revealed over 50 rooms. Some of the recent discoveries include a black salon depicting scenes from the Trojan War, an extensive bath complex and a fresco that depicts what might be an ancestor of the Italian pizza.
