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.
We’ve got a brand new episode coming out later this week AND a special treat for our patrons as well! Excited to be bringing you more of ancient Rome real soon.
Pictured: just a couple of women who think about the Roman Empire every day 😅
This C5th CE mosaic depicts an unswept floor scene at a banquet. Diners recline in a triclinium and its appears they may be some hours into their revels while attended by slaves.
A glimpse into daily life with this detailed fresco from the Praedia of Julia Felix at Pompeii. Is this a baker selling freshly baked loaves or a distributor of bread to eligible citizens? Either way, this one’s a beauty!
While the auction house listed this piece as a rare C1st BCE intaglio, my suspicion is its a fake. Ancient Roman phalluses rarely came with balls when you could have another phallus! Something about the lightning bolts also feels off. What do you think?
This relief depicts Shapur I’s victory over the Roman emperor Valerian in 260 CE. Shapur was known as the ‘king of kings’ and ruled the Sasanian Empire. Earlier Shapur won a military victory against the Roman emperor Philip I.
Do you feel spooky season coming upon you? Let this so-called ‘carpe diem’ mosaic send shivers down your spine! Certainly the jugs suggests some celebration to come 🏺🏺
"Let us be merry and drink wine and sing of Bakkhos [#Dionysos], the inventor of the choral dance, the lover of all songs, leading the same life as the Erotes, the darling of Kythere [#Aphrodite]."
The Anacreontea, Fragment 38
🏛️ Roman terracotta relief dated 20 BCE - 50 CE. Today in the British Museum.
This gorgeous scene might be mistaken as part of Livia’s garden fresco but this is a later example. This fresco comes from the House of the Golden Bracelet at Pompeii. The idea of garden decorations such as pillars, masks, and frescoes with frescoes is at play.
Arrrhhh me hearties, it’s a Roman tavern scene near the harbour!
This sarcophagus from Isola Sacra, Ostia offers a slice of life with what appears to be a well-stocked bar with customers to the right and a sailing scene to the left. Is that also a lighthouse?
The Three Graces in their classic pose. This mosaic is from the garden of the House of Apollo at Pompeii. Today this scene is held by the Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli.
The touches of blue background give a sense of the original richness of the piece.
"Let us be merry and drink wine and sing of Bakkhos [#Dionysos], the inventor of the choral dance, the lover of all songs, leading the same life as the Erotes, the darling of Kythere [#Aphrodite]."
The Anacreontea, Fragment 38
🏛️ Roman terracotta relief dated 20 BCE - 50 CE. Today in the British Museum.