The term initiates refers to people who are admitted to certain religious practices or cults through an initiation rite. After being initiated, they are admitted to the knowledge of secret rites and practices...

The term ex-voto comes from the Latin phrase "ex voto suscepto", meaning "from the vow made". In fact, ex-votos were small objects such as terracotta statuettes or painted tablets, which worshippers took to sanctuaries as offerings to the gods, to thank them for granting their requests or to make ...

The cavea is the set of steps in an amphitheatre or theatre where spectators would sit to attend plays, games and other forms of entertainment. It is divided into sectors called "cunei". ...

Gelon was born in Gela in 540 BC. He was ruler of Gela (491-485 BC), then of Syracuse from 485 BC until his death. During his life he was given important military and diplomatic assignments in matters relating to Magna Graecia. Thanks to the marriage of his daughter Demarete to Theron, he marrie...

In Greek temples, pediments were the triangular spaces placed on the short sides, above the architrave. They were often decorated inside with statues or relief that recounted mythological events, such as the Gigantomachy and the Trojan War, in order to make the power of their people and their deitie...

An architectural structure that forms the base of a building. It can be built on the laying surface, at ground level, or below ground, in a more stable area....

Also known as the river kingfisher, this bird has a round body, short tail and a rather big head with an elongated beak. The most characteristic aspect of the kingfisher is its colouring: its back and head have a beautiful blue colour with sea green iridescence, while its breast and eyes are brown...

Michelangelo Merisi, known as "Caravaggio", is considered one of the most important painters in the history of Italian art. His nickname "Caravaggio" comes from the name of the village near Bergamo where his family lived. The artist was born in Milan in 1571 and became famous for his particular us...

The word hecatomb, from Greek, literally means "sacrifice of a hundred oxen". Over time, the term has been used to refer to the sacrifices of many victims, including non-bovine ones, and in everyday vocabulary it is now synonymous with slaughter....

The term "oracle" derives from the Latin verb orare, "to speak", however in ancient times, the oracle characterised the Greeks' relationship with religion. The oracle was in fact the voice of the divine through a medium, someone who spoke on behalf of the deity, a priest or priestess. Each oracl...