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Cinerary urn with reliefs depicting Heracles (Hercules) begi
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Cinerary urn with reliefs depicting Heracles (Hercules) begi
Cinerary urn with reliefs depicting Heracles (Hercules) beginning in the Eleusinian Mysteries. Detail. White marble. From the columbarium near Porta Maggiore. Dated probably early Roman Imperial period. Palazzo Massimo. National Roman Museum. Rome. Italy
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Media ID 14318866
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Ceremony Cinerary Cult Demeter Eleusinian Eleusis Heracles Hercules Hero Initiation Marble Massimo Mithology Mysteries Mystery Palazzo Persephone Pottery Priestess Rite Sculpted Myth
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1. Title: Cinerary Urn with Reliefs Depicting Heracles (Hercules) in the Eleusinian Mysteries This exquisite white marble cinerary urn, adorned with intricate reliefs, showcases a significant scene from ancient Greek mythology and the Eleusinian Mysteries. The urn, currently housed in the National Roman Museum at Palazzo Massimo in Rome, Italy, dates back to the early Roman Imperial period. The reliefs on the urn depict Heracles (Hercules) as a heroic figure, dressed in a lion skin and holding a club and a shield. He is shown in the midst of the Eleusinian Mysteries, a religious initiation ceremony dedicated to Demeter and Persephone. This ceremony was believed to ensure a good afterlife for the deceased. The detail on the urn is remarkable, with Heracles shown in various stages of the initiation rite. He is seen being led by a priestess, who holds a torch and a pottery amphora, while other figures, possibly initiates, follow behind. The scene also includes symbols of the Eleusinian Mysteries, such as the cornucopia and the torches, which represent abundance and light. The Eleusinian Mysteries were a significant part of ancient Greek and Roman culture, with the initiation rites taking place at Eleusis, near Athens. The mysteries were shrouded in secrecy, and only the initiated were privy to their true meaning. The urn's depiction of Heracles in the Eleusinian Mysteries highlights the importance of this cult in ancient Greece and Rome and the role of mythology in shaping religious beliefs and practices. The intricate reliefs on this cinerary urn are a testament to the artistic skill and creativity of ancient Roman craftsmen. The urn's preservation in the National Roman Museum allows us to appreciate and learn from the rich history and cultural heritage of ancient Greece and Rome.
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