Archaeologists have discovered an ancient sarcophagus depicting Hercules drinking (10 photos)

The Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) announced the discovery of a Roman sarcophagus in Caesarea. The marble tomb depicts a drinking contest between Dionysus, the god of wine, and Hercules.





“The center of the composition is Dionysus, the god of wine. Around him is a lively retinue. Here are maenads, Dionysus’ companions, and satyrs, and Hermes, and Pan, and menacing lions and tigers. Thanks to the restoration, the painting has been fully restored,” the IAA said in a statement.

Experts compared the find to a "scene from a movie."

Archaeologists Nogar Shahar and Shani Amit shared that they began digging soft sand when a marble object appeared: "The whole team gathered. We cleared the sand and couldn't believe our eyes: in front of us were parts of a sarcophagus with carved figures of gods, animals and trees. One side was preserved in its original form."









Judging by everything, the heroes drank a lot. Hercules is depicted as a man who can no longer stand.

Shahar emphasized the uniqueness of the find. This is the first time in Israel that a funerary object depicts a scene of Dionysus and Hercules drinking wine.

The historian noted: “Processions of the god of wine Dionysus were often depicted on sarcophagi from the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD. However, this particular scene of a drinking contest is known to us mainly from mosaics. The figures are not simply celebrating. They are seeing the deceased off on his final journey. Drinking and dancing symbolize liberation and the transition to another life. The sarcophagus reveals the theme of death in a different way – not as an end, but as the beginning of a new stage.”







IAA Director Eli Escusido said the artifact reflects ancient Roman ideas about life and faith.

"The sarcophagus is being carefully preserved. When the work is completed, it will be shown to the public. We have a duty to preserve the historical heritage of the country,” Escusido added.