The Villa of Mysteri

“…they heard the crash of falling roofs; an instant more and the mountain-cloud seemed to roll towards them, dark and rapid, like a torrent; at the same time, it cast forth from its bosom a shower of ashes mixed with vast fragments of burning stone! Over the crushing vines- over the desolate streets- over the amphitheatre itself- far and wide- with many a mighty splash in the agitated sea- fell that awful shower…” Even though destroyed by Mt. Vesuvius August 24, 79AD, The Villa of Mysteries is full of Pompeian artifacts. The famous mural featuring the cult of Dionysus is amongst this 55room villa. Villa of Mysteries was once flourishing with plant life, bronzed statues, and people working and living in and around the villa. The frescoes in the Villa of Mysteries provide us the opportunity to glimpse something important about the rites of passage for these privileged women of Pompeii. The interior design of the homes or villa’s were not paintings hanging from nails, but they were painted actually onto the wall. The cult of Dionysus is one of these painted murals founded in the Villa of Mysteries, the frieze is 10 ft high and 56 ft long. The term "mysteries" refers to secret initiation rites of the Cla

The mural has adds great significance to the entire villa. While another Pan plays a flute and watches the kid feeding on its immortal breast. The exhausting look on Dionysus"tm face tells us that the journey has almost come to an end, but first the initiate will encounter some whipping before her journey is over. She has become apart of Dionysus herself, she has seen and the mystery and wonders of this cult. A young satyr gazes into the bowl, as if mesmerized. The next figure along the mural looks back at the naked boy, yet has movement towards Dionysus"tms throne while she carries objects towards the priestess. This ceremony was designed to bring women into the marrying stage of life.