Classical Civilisation: Hercules:

Classical Civilisation

Hercules

Hercules is a legendary hero in Roman mythology known for his strength and heroic deeds, including the Twelve Labors. He is the son of Jupiter and Alcmene, half-brother to Iphicles and step-son to Amphitryon and Juno, who hates him very much.

Cacus

Cacus is a Roman mythological beast who is the son of Vulcan and can breathe fire. He is known for stealing Hercules' cattle and eating and killing humans before his defeat in an epic battle against Hercules.

Where does Cacus live?

Cacus lives in a cave on Aventine Hill, where he hoards the stolen cattle. It is known to have fresh blood on the floor and the heads of humans nailed to doors.

Why was Hercules near the Aventine hill?

He was riding through there to deliver the cattle of Geryon to his cousin and enslaver, Eurystheus, as part of his Twelve Labors.

How does Cacus steal his cattle?

He uses trickery by dragging the cattle by the to reverse the signs of his theft so Hercules could not track them and hide them in a cave.

How does Hercules discover the stolen cattle?

He calls out to the cattle and when one responds, he follows the call.

How does Cacus try to stop Hercules entering his cave?

He blocks the entrance with chains made of Vulcan heaving a rock to block the entrance.

How does Hercules enter the cave?

He lifts off the roof of the cave and throws it into a river.

What does Cacus do when Hercules stares down at him?

He breathes fire to produce smoke so Hercules cannot see him.

How does Hercules respond the Cacus’ fire?

He jumps down and strangles Cacus to his death.

How do the people of Pallanteum honor Hercules after his victory?

The establish a feast and honour sacrifices such as meat to his altar.

Where is the altar to Hercules?

It was located near the River Tibur and the Palatine hill, in an area known as the Forum Boarium but in the 2nd century it was converted to a temple for Hercules where he was worshiped as both a hero and a god.

How does this link to the people of Rome?

It links Hercules to Rome’s heroic past and suggests that his strength and courage foreshadow Roman greatness and brings attention as this was the area that Rome was soon to be in.

Hercules is seen as a symbol of strength and virtue, embodying the ideals that the Romans aspired to in their own conquests and achievements.

Why is the story of Hercules and Cacus important within the larger themes of the Aeneid?

Who tells this story to Aeneas?

It reinforces the idea of civilization overcoming barbarism, mirroring the Greeks motto, shown in the battle of the Lapiths and the centaurs.

Evander