Explore the shaping of Hercules in Rome: a profound look at myth, religion, and cultural change
This scholarly study traces how the hero Herakles became central to Roman thought, moving from Greece to Rome with a new seriousness. It analyzes how the myth intertwines with Roman religious practice, cults, and public memory, offering fresh perspectives on famous episodes like the Hercules-Cacus story and the Geryon expedition. The book examines a long chain of sources and debates, shaping a clearer picture of what the myth meant to ancient readers.
- Learn how Roman and Greek myths merged in public worship and iconography
- See how scholars have debated the myth’s origins and its changing meanings
- Discover how early Italian and Etruscan traditions influenced Roman mythmaking
- Understand the role of myth in shaping Rome’s religious landscape
Ideal for readers of classical myth, Roman religion, and cultural history who want a detailed, source-based view of how a legendary figure was understood in ancient Rome.