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Pig sacrifice, Roman fresco
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Pig sacrifice, Roman fresco
Pig sacrifice, Roman fresco. Pig about to be sacrificed by a servant and a musician, under the guidance of a genius (guardian of the family) holding a cornucopia and a patera. Two lares (household gods) are standing either side with drinking horns and buckets. The panel below shows two snakes, the Roman symbols of fertility. This fresco, from Pompeii, is displayed in the Archaeological Museum of Naples, Italy
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Media ID 6281574
© SHEILA TERRY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Altar Ancient Antiquity Archaeological Archaeological Museum Of Archaeology Archeology Ceremonial Ceremony Children Classical Cognitive Archaeology Decoration Decorative Domestic Fertility Fresco Frescoes Genius Gods Italian Italy Live Stock Mural Musician Naples Offering Pagan Painting Pompeii Religion Religious Ritual Roman Sacrifice Servant Snake Symbol Symbolic Symbols Wall Painting Walls Drinking Horn Household God Lares Sacrificial Sacrificing Worshipping
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a moment of ancient Roman ritual and symbolism. The scene depicts a pig sacrifice, an important ceremony in Roman culture, as portrayed in a stunning fresco from Pompeii. In the image, we see a servant and musician preparing to sacrifice the pig under the watchful guidance of a genius, who holds both a cornucopia and patera. Flanking them are two lares, household gods represented with drinking horns and buckets. Below this central panel lies another fascinating detail: two snakes, symbols of fertility in Roman mythology. Displayed at the Archaeological Museum of Naples in Italy, this remarkable fresco offers us insight into the religious practices and beliefs of ancient Romans. It showcases their devotion to deities through elaborate ceremonies involving animal sacrifices and offerings made on altars. The intricate details depicted on this wall painting demonstrate not only artistic skill but also provide valuable archaeological evidence for understanding daily life during classical antiquity. This particular artwork exemplifies how religion played an essential role within Roman society. As we gaze upon this photograph print by Science Photo Library, we are transported back in time to witness an age-old tradition that shaped the lives of these people centuries ago. It serves as a reminder of our shared human history and invites contemplation about our own contemporary rituals and beliefs.
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