This is a quick look at the megalographic (depiction of lifesized figures) mural in the Villa of the Mysteries at Pompeii which shows an initiation ritual for a young woman, or so it is thought. Probably mid-1st century BC. It may show initiation into a secret cult of Dionysus involve ecstatic mysticism. It is also possible the paintings show a secret female cult. Being secret, the cult's features are not explicit but the pictures suggest it was dominated by women. Its purpose (decorative or adorning a room used for the cult) remains unknown.

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