1.14 Influence of Greek and Egyptian Cultures

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  1. Research the Greek gods Herakles, Demeter, Apollo and Dionysus. Who was Ariadne? Why were these gods worshipped at Pompeii and Herculaneum?

    • In Greek mythology, Ariadne was a Cretan princess, the daughter of King Minos of Crete. There are different variations of Ariadne’s myth, but she is known for helping Theseus escape from the Minotaur and being abandoned by him on the island of Naxos.

Greek God

Why were they worshipped?

Herakles

The focal point of a number of religious cults, Herakles was widely worshipped throughout Pompeii and was viewed as a protector of the region, heralded as the founder of the neighbouring town Herculaneum, and ironically the town’s destroyer, Mount Vesuvius.

Demeter

Demeter, the Greek goddess of agriculture and vegetation, was worshipped in many regions, including Sicily and Athens. Associated with fertility, earth, the underworld and harvest.

Apollo

Because he was the Greek and Roman god of many things, including; poetry, music, dance, archery, and prophecy. He was also known as a light bringer and preserver of life.

Dionysus

Dionysus, the Greek god of wine and fertility, was worshipped in Pompeii and Herculaneum because the cult of Dionysus was popular in Campania, the region where the cities were located.

  1. Find further examples of Greek and Egyptian influences at Pompeii and Herculaneum from your study of this chapter.

    • Greek influences can be identified in the Alexander Mosaic, horse-shoe shaped theatres and Pompeii's adoption of the Greek pantheon of gods. Examples of Egyptian influences can be found in the Nile Mosaic, garden art in the Villa of Julia Felix and the Cult of Isis.