Villa of the Mysteries, Pompeii

This villa, built around a central peristyle court and surrounded by terraces, is much like other large villas of Pompeii. The Initiation Chamber measures 15 by 25 feet, and is located in the front of the villa on the right side.


The term "mysteries" refers to secret initiation rites of the Classical world. The Greek word for "rite" means "to grow up". The rites we see in the Villa of Mysteries seem to be aimed at preparing privileged protected girls for the psychological transition to life as married women. There are few written records about mystery religions and initiation rites.

The Frescoes

At the center of the frescoes are the figures of Dionysus, the one certain identification agreed upon by scholars, and his mother Semele (other interpretations have the figure as Ariadne). As he had been for Greek women, Dionysus was the most popular god for Roman women. He was the source of both their sensual and their spiritual hopes.

The action of the rite begins with the initiate or bride crossing the threshold as the preparations for the rites begin. The nudity of the boy may signify that he is divine.

To the right, the initiate, now more lightly clad, carries an offering tray of sacramental cake. She wears a myrtle wreath. In her right hand she holds a laurel sprig.

A priestess, wearing a head covering and a wreath of myrtle removes a covering from a ceremonial basket held by a wreathless female attendant.

Mythological characters and music are introduced into the narrative. An aging Silenus plays a ten-string lyre that is resting on a column. A young male satyr plays pan pipes, while a nymph suckles a goat.









A son of Chronos or Saturn, god of love.