This relief was found at Hadrian’s villa in Tivoli. The young man (Castor?) seems to be in a tousle for control with the horse while a dog watches on. Likely Roman in manufacture, but definitely inspired by the Greek style!
#Halloween is neeeearly here! With the spooky times nearly upon us, it’s time to consider how best to propitiate the chthonic divinities. We hear they like libations of wine…
This beauty is one of the absolute gems at Herculaneum! So much so that the findspot is named after the two figures: the House of Neptune & Amphitrite.
The gorgeous gradations of blues sets this piece apart 💙
This scene of a wild hunt has been carefully restored to capture the vibrancy and beauty of the animals. Big cats chase a variety of animals evoking Egypt or further south into Africa.
Ahhh the Romans’ most fortunate day of the week. Here we offer dubious honour to Priapus, the god often most found holding a fruit basket. That’s no cornucopia!
CUTE alert! This depiction of a tiger chasing a goat (or perhaps another animal!) is rendered slightly less fearsome by the faces of both animals. The details of the tiger’s eye and apparent smile add an adorable element to this mosaic.
"#Dionysos showed himself on the island [of Naxos], and because of the beauty of #Ariadne he took the maiden away from #Theseus and kept her as his lawful wife, loving her exceedingly."
Diodorus Siculus, Library of History 4.61.5
🏛️ Dionysos and Ariadne, #fresco from the Triclinium in the House of Vettii, #Pompeii
This banquet scene shows a couple of important things. First, the absolute gorgeousness of diaphanous gowns (this is stunning!). Second, does that poor attendant only have half a body? Let’s hope it’s just damage over time 😅
We travel back to the years 415 and 414 BCE to bear witness to the downfall of a certain Postumius, a very wronghead man. Join us to learn just how wrongheaded he was!
We interviewed the fabulous Dr Emma Southon about her latest book ‘A History of the Roman Empire in 21 Women’. It’s a fantastic ride through Rome’s ancient history!
This panel from the Ara Pacis continues to tantalise scholars. Variously identified as Aeneas offering sacrifice to the Penates or Numa, the philosopher-king of Rome, what’s for sure is the glorious detail of the artistry.