Author: Erlang Shen
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Roman Sculpture of Bacchus in the Boboli Gardens Time Period: 1st – 2nd Century A.D. Location: Storage room of the Boboli Gardens, also known as “Stanzonaccio” Material: Greek medium-grained marble Dimensions: Height 176 cm (including plinth) Inventory Number: Boboli Gardens no 220 This captivating sculpture depicts the youthful god Bacchus, equivalent to the Greek Dionysus,…
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The Pantheon in Rome, an architectural marvel, traces its origins back to 27 BC when Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa initiated the construction of what appears to have been a typical Classical temple—a rectangular structure featuring a gabled roof and a surrounding colonnade. This initial phase was completely overhauled during the reign of Emperor Hadrian, around AD…
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Lugh is a significant figure in Irish mythology, revered for his diverse roles as a mighty deity, human hero, warrior, ruler, sun god, and master craftsman. The intertwining of oral traditions and myths makes it challenging to delineate between history and legend, yet Lugh stands out as one of the most potent Celtic gods. Some…
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Understanding Maat: The Essential Principle of Egyptian Civilization Maat, representing concepts like justice, truth, and balance, is intrinsic to the fabric of Egyptian culture. This concept operates in various spheres—religious, cosmic, and personal—making it impossible to discuss ancient Egyptian civilization without acknowledging maat. Distinguishing between ‘maat’ (the principle) and ‘Maat’ (the goddess) is important; this…
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In the rich tapestry of Irish and Celtic mythology, one tale that captivates the heart is the poignant romance between Niamh and Oisín, emerging from the Fenian Cycle. This story unfolds after a fierce battle, where Fionn Mac Cumhaill and his gallant warriors, the Fianna, found solace by the serene shores of Loch Lein in…
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Tefnut, often referred to as Tefenet or Tefnet, was a significant goddess in ancient Egyptian mythology, embodying moisture while also being intricately linked to both solar and lunar elements. Known as one of the “Eyes of Ra,” Tefnut personified both the lunar moisture and the solar dryness. Her name translates to “She of moisture,” deriving…
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Hector: The Hero of Troy Hector stands as the eldest son of Priamus and Hecabe, renowned for his roles as Andromache’s husband and Astyanax’s father. Within the works of Homer, he emerges as a central character among the Trojans, mirroring the significance of Achilles among the Greeks. Homer appears to hold a deep affection for…
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Roman Religion: An Overview of Beliefs and Practices Roman religion, encompassing the beliefs and practices of the inhabitants of the Italian peninsula from ancient times until the rise of Christianity in the 4th century CE during Classical antiquity, stands as a fascinating study of spirituality and cultural identity. According to Cicero, a notable Roman orator…
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The Legacy of Cronus: King of Time Pronunciation: kroh-nuhs Other Names: Kronos Origin: Greece Cult Center: Athens, Gades, Lebadeia, Olympia Role: Ruler of the Heavens Symbols: grain, harpe, scythe, sickle, snake Wife: Rhea (his twin sister) Children: Demeter, Hades, Hera, Hestia, Poseidon, Zeus Who is Cronus? Cronus, the offspring of Uranus and Gaia, reflects on…