Archaeologists in Pompeii have made a remarkable find: a large frieze illustrating the ecstatic worship of Dionysus, the Greek god of wine. This grand artwork, which graces the three walls of an elaborate banquet hall, captures lively scenes of women paying homage to the deity.
According to experts, this fresco sheds new light on the religious practices of the ancient city before its destruction by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. Membership in the cult of Dionysus required initiates to partake in secretive and ritualistic activities. Revered as Bacchus by the Romans, Dionysus represents not only wine and fruit but also fertility, festivity, and theatrical expressions.
The frieze includes a depiction of bacchantes, the female followers of Dionysus, in a vivid procession featuring a slaughtered goat. Background figures include satyrs playing music and Dionysus’s mentor, Silenus. The artwork draws inspiration from Euripides’ The Bacchae, portraying themes of retribution and madness faced by Theban women under the god’s influence. Scholars estimate the fresco was created between 40 BC and 30 BC.
Italian Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli emphasized the significance of this discovery, suggesting that it will be remembered as historic in the annals of archaeology. The fresco not only complements prior findings, such as the Villa of the Mysteries from 1909, which illustrated similar Dionysian rituals, but it also enriches our understanding of ancient Mediterranean life.
Researchers propose that the frieze’s design—showcasing both celebration and sacrifice—reflects the dual nature of Dionysian worship. This latest excavation in Pompeii, which commenced in early 2023, has revealed over 50 rooms that provide a glimpse into daily life before the catastrophic eruption. Other significant finds include a bath complex and a banquet hall, which further illustrate the sophistication of the city’s inhabitants prior to their untimely demise.
For further reading, you can explore more about ancient winemaking practices: