Hercules
Ancient Greece
The Stunning Statue of Hercules Uncovered in Philippi, Greece
An impressive statue depicting Hercules from the Roman times was recently discovered at the ancient site of Philippi in northern Greece.
Alongside the statue, a richly decorated structure, potentially a fountain, was also found.
According to a recent announcement by the...
Ancient Greece
Twelve Labors of Hercules Exemplify Greek Mythology
The Twelve Labours of Hercules occupy a special place in the pantheon of Greek mythology, exemplifying the ancient beliefs of the Greeks.
Ancient Greece
Steve Reeves, the Bodybuilder Who Brought Greek Mythology to Cinema
Steve Reeves made his cinematic breakthrough in 1958, with the movie Hercules. By the late 1950s, the sword and sandals genre was already becoming popular, but Reeves was the first performer to fully embody the physique of ancient Greek...
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
What Was the Origin of Ancient Sparta?
Sparta is one of the most famous ancient Greek city-states of all time. It has featured in numerous myths and legends from Greek mythology, as well as plenty of modern films too. It had a massive impact on Classical...
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
Fires Shaped the Landscape of Ancient Greece
Much of the landscape in ancient Greece was shaped by fires, set mostly by invaders in pre-classical times, but also sometimes set by Greeks themselves.
According to an article written by L.G. Liacos entitled "Present Studies and History of Burning...
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...