The Gauls took the whole city of Rome, apart from its Capitol, but were then effectively put under siege themselves. The city was looted and sacked.
myth
Famous for discovering his wife Aphrodite making love with Ares, he is blacksmith to the gods, and selected mortals.
Classical expectations are reinforced in the Bible, but clearly fade by New Testament times, when Jesus uses attitudes towards Samaritans in his teaching. By the 19th century, hospitality has been lost.
Three classical myths – Atlas turned to stone, Philemon and Baucis, and Leto and the Lycians turned into frogs. Why you should always show hospitality to strangers.
After his banishment from Rome, Caius Marcius co-led the Volscians and brought them almost to the city’s gates, ready to invade. He was then sent a deputation of women.
A goddess almost never painted, but her priestesses, the Vestal Virgins, were far more popular. A small selection, ending in one of Gêrome’s grandest arena paintings.
Rome saved from invasion of Lars Porsena and his Tuscans/Etruscans, by the bravery of one man, Horatius Cocles.
Atlas, who bears the heavens on his shoulders. Prometheus, who deceived Zeus and was bound by chains as punishment, an eagle eating his liver each day. Epimetheus, who married Pandora.
Lucretia’s rape and suicide, painted by Veronese, Artemisia Gentileschi, Rembrandt, and Kneller, and a wonderful David.
Seen with his three-headed dog Cerberus, the god of the Underworld. Paintings by Caravaggio, Rembrandt, Rubens and others.
