In Stone and Story
Early Christianity in the Roman World
Chapter 8: Mysteries & Knowledge
Photo Gallery
Photos 8.1 through 8.4
These photos show a few further depictions of Bacchus from the Vesuvian towns. Photo 8.1 is a fresco of Bacchus as a youth; photo 8.2 is a bas relief of Bacchus with his panther, holding a cornucopia of plenty; and photo 8.3 is a fresco of Bacchus seeing Ariadne (in deep sleep) for the first time. The garden in the house of Marcus Lucretius (at 9.3.5) was adorned with statues of Bacchus in various depictions, as illustrated in photo 8.4.
Photo 8.5
A vase depicts a scene of Bacchic celebration, with the mythic Silenus joining two women sharing wine.
Photo 8.6
A young woman being prepared for marriage is an important component of the fresco in the Bacchic room in the Villa of the Mysteries.
Photo 8.7
This photo shows a collection of amphorae for the storage of wine, from a wine shop in Herculaneum (from 5.6).
Discussion Questions
- List some similarities and differences between the mystery religions and early Jesus-devotion. How would these similarities and differences have benefitted or stymied the rise of Christianity?
- Compare and contrast the use of the mind in Bacchus-devotion and Jesus-devotion.