this issue
previous article in this issuenext article in this issue

Document Details :

Title: Looking for Herakles at the Slopes of the Vesuvius
Author(s): AVAGLIANO, Alessandra
Journal: BABESCH
Volume: 91    Date: 2016   
Pages: 161-172
DOI: 10.2143/BAB.91.0.3175648

Abstract :
Herakles plays an important role in the myth of foundation and in the private cults of Pompeii. Despite this, the existence of a public cult of the demigod is not demonstrated. The paper questions the attribution of the sanctuary of the Triangular Forum to Herakles and Athena. A consolidated tradition of studies in fact attributes the Doric Temple to the couple: this theory is usually supported by several elements including the presence of an off-axis base in the cella, and the subject of the architectural terracotta of the Samnite period. The most important evidence however is the identification of the enclosure in front of the temple as a heroon of Herakles. Starting from a new analysis of the archaeological data, the present study aims to reconsider the function of the so-called heroon, proving its destination as an altar.

Download article