What: Speaker Series: A Reflection of Mystery in Late Roman Britain
When: Thursday, April 25th, 7:00 PM
Who: Dr. Kara Burns, Art History Professor, USA
Where: The University of South Alabama Archaeology Museum

More Details: Orpheus, the legendary singer whose undying love for his wife Eurydice led him to the gates of Hades, was also the founder of the Mystery cult of the Greco-Roman god Bacchus. Eight Roman mosaics depicting Orpheus found in reception rooms of affluent Roman villas in southwest Britain reflect the religious beliefs of this once great religion. Dr. Burns will explore the tradition of Orpheus and his association with the Bacchic Mysteries in the art and literature of ancient Greece and Rome from which these mosaics come and provide an explanation as to why Orpheus became a popular interior design choice for these wealthy Roman homeowners.

Co-sponsored by: The Archaeology Museum & the Southwest Chapter of the Alabama Archaeological Society