Archaeologists have uncovered a new fresco in Pompeii that sheds light on the ancient Greek cult of Dionysus.
The well-preserved painting dating back to the first century BC, was discovered in a banquet hall of the House of Thiasus in Region IX of Pompeii. This find stands out as one of the most important in over a century, with experts comparing it to the famous Villa of the Mysteries frescoes.
The nearly life-size fresco, known as a “megalography”—a word derived from the Greek for “large painting”—covers three walls of the banquet hall, while the fourth wall opens onto a garden.
Pompeii fresco depicts a procession for Dionysus
The artwork depicts a procession for Dionysus, featuring maenads, or female followers of Dionysus, portrayed both as ecstatic dancers and fierce hunters. They carry slaughtered goats on their shoulders and brandish swords. Interspersed among them are young satyrs (mythological part-goat, part-human creatures) playing music and performing a ritual wine sacrifice.
“In 100 years’ time, today will be remembered as historic because the discovery we are presenting is historic,” said Italian Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli, who attended the unveiling of the frescoes.
“Alongside the Villa of the Mysteries, this fresco forms an unparalleled testament to the lesser-known aspects of ancient Mediterranean life.”
At the center of the fresco, an elderly Silenus, a companion of Dionysus, holds a torch while standing beside a young woman, likely an initiate undergoing a secret ritual. This scene reinforces the longstanding association of Dionysus with transformation and rebirth, concepts central to his cult.
The wall painting, rendered in vivid reds and deep hues, is part of a broader Roman tradition of Dionysian worship. This tradition had roots in earlier Greek mystery cults that promised their members a mystical experience and a form of spiritual resurrection.
The House of Thiasus got its name from the “thiasos,” or sacred procession, of Dionysus. The fresco matches the Second Style of Pompeian wall painting, which was prevalent between the 40s and 30s BC. This means the painting had already existed for over a century when the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD buried it under ash and pumice.
Recent discoveries in Pompeii
The archaeological site of Pompeii covers approximately 66 hectares, with about 44 hectares fully excavated. The latest dig is in an area known as Regio IX which began in early 2023 and has so far revealed over 50 rooms.
Some of the recent discoveries include lavish frescoes in a grand colonnaded hall and a decorated counter in an ancient tavern, offering vivid glimpses into Roman life.
Also, a well-preserved house featuring frescoes depicting scenes from Greek and Roman mythology.
The dwelling, named the “House of Phaedra,” has remained untouched since Mount Vesuvius’ devastating eruption almost 2,000 years ago.
And last, but not least, a stunning fresco of Helen of Troy and several other impressive artworks depicting scenes from Greek mythology.
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