4 Maps of Epic Ancient Quests (Image Gallery)

Image Gallery

by Simeon Netchev
published on 12 February 2024

In this gallery, we cross the ancient Mediterranean world four times to follow the adventures of four great heroes from Greek and Roman mythology. Here are visual representations of timeless tales of heroism, divine challenges, and fearsome monsters: the Labours of Hercules, Jason's quest for the Golden Fleece, the interminable voyage of Odysseus, and the destiny-shaping journey of Aeneas.

Hercules, tasked with twelve formidable labors, showcases the epitome of strength and valor in overcoming monstrous adversaries and completing divine challenges. The Argonauts, led by the hero Jason, embark on a perilous expedition to obtain the Golden Fleece. Odysseus, in Homer's "Odyssey," endures a decade-long journey fraught with obstacles and trials after the Trojan War. His quest to return home to Ithaca becomes a testament to wit, resilience, and the enduring human spirit. In Virgil's "Aeneid", the Torjan hero Aeneas flees the fall of Troy and embarks on a twisted journey facing divine intervention and personal loss to ultimately fulfill his destiny as the progenitor of the Roman Empire.

The Twelve Labours of Herakles

by Simeon Netchev
published on 13 February 2023

The Twelve Labours of Herakles — View Full-Size Image

A map illustrating the Twelve Labours of Herakles (Heracles, romanized as Hercules), probably the most famous of the ancient heroes in Greek mythology. Born as a demi-god (son of Zeus and the mortal Alcmene,) Herakles was tricked out of his kingdom and constantly pursued by Hera, which culminated in a fit of madness that drove him to murder his wife and children. As a penance, he was urged by the Oracle of Delphi to enter into service of Eurystheus, the king of Tiryns and Mycenae, for twelve years and perform a sequence of Twelve Labours that seemed impossible (the fixed narrative of Twelve Labours, as well as Herakles' signature lion's skin attire and a club is attributed to the ancient poet Peisander, from c. 600 BCE).

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