Heracles
Ancient Greece
Cerberus: Guard Dog of the Underworld in Ancient Greek Mythology
Cerberus (Greek: Κέρβερος/Kérberos) was the multi-headed guard dog of Hades, the Underworld in ancient Greek mythology. The hound's task was to guard the entrance to the Underworld and keep the living separated from the dead.
The fearsome hound's description varies...
Ancient Greece
How the Ancient Greeks Merged their Gods with Foreign Ones
As the ancient Greeks encountered other civilizations and cultures through trade, conquest, and colonization, they often merged their own gods with foreign deities in a process of religious syncretism.
Ancient Greek religious syncretism was characterized by the blending and assimilation...
Ancient Greece
Hercules’ Surprising Resemblance to the Egyptian God Shu
In Greek mythology, one of the most famous heroes was Heracles, more commonly called Hercules. He was the hero with super strength who went on twelve seemingly-impossible labors. However, according to ancient Greek accounts, Hercules has a surprising connection...
Ancient Greece
The Goddess Hera’s Place in Ancient Greek Mythology
The goddess Hera, who loomed large in Ancient Greek mythology, was not only the wife and sister of Zeus, the King of the gods. She was also a powerful deity in her own right.
Hera, known as Juno in Roman...
Ancient Greece
The Most Famous Creatures from Greek Mythology
There are many stories in Greek mythology as well as creatures, which are supernatural beings, by powers and abilities, mostly immortal. These strange and sometimes terrifying creatures were used according to Greek mythology by the gods. They were sent to protect someone or something or simply to cause fear.
Ancient Greece
What Are the Pillars of Hercules Mentioned in Greek Mythology?
The Pillars of Hercules appear in ancient Greek mythology in a variety of different settings. They are mentioned in the context of Atlantis, various quests, and of course, in the stories of Hercules himself. They are even mentioned in...
Ancient Greece
Massive Hercules Statue Restored by Vatican After Lightning Strike
Experts at the Vatican are busy with restoration work on a massive gilded statue of Hercules that was struck by lighting thousands of years ago.
For over 150 years, the statue, which stands four meters tall (13 foot), remained neglected...
Ancient Greece
The Most Powerful Artifacts in Greek Mythology
In addition to a myriad of unforgettable gods, demigods, creatures, and characters, Greek mythology is full of powerful artifacts.
These items are immensely varied. Some, like the coat of the Nemean Lion, offered its wearer invulnerability, whereas others, like Pandora's...
Ancient Greece
Hypsipyle and the Murderous Greek Women of Lemnos
In Greek mythology, Hypsipyle was a queen of the island of Lemnos and mother to the two sons of Jason, the legendary hero who led the Argonauts on their quest for the golden fleece.
Hypsipyle's story is bound with that...
Archaeology
Karaftu Caves, The Mysterious Lair of Hercules in Western Iran
The Caves of Karaftu are a magnificent spectacle formed by both nature and human activity over the course of millennia.