---
title: Hercules and Atlas
author: Mark Cartwright
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/438/hercules-and-atlas/
format: machine-readable-alternate
license: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/)
updated: 2023-06-12
---

# Hercules and Atlas

_Authored by [Mark Cartwright](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/markzcartwright/)_

## Image File

[![Hercules and Atlas](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/438.jpg)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/438.jpg)

## Image Caption

Metope from the east side of the [temple](https://www.worldhistory.org/temple/) of [Zeus](https://www.worldhistory.org/zeus/), [Olympia](https://www.worldhistory.org/Olympia/). Here [Hercules](https://www.worldhistory.org/hercules/) (aka Heracles) holds the heavens on his shoulders with the aid of [Athena](https://www.worldhistory.org/athena/), on the right [Atlas](https://www.worldhistory.org/Atlas/) gives the Apples of the [Hesperides](https://www.worldhistory.org/Hesperides/). (470-460 BCE) Olympia Archaeological Museum.

#### Editorial Review

This human-authored image has been reviewed by our editorial team before publication to ensure accuracy, reliability and adherence to academic standards in accordance with our [editorial policy](https://www.worldhistory.org/static/editorial-policy/).

## About the Author

Mark is WHE’s Publishing Director and has an MA in Political Philosophy (University of York). He is a full-time researcher, writer, historian and editor. Special interests include art, architecture and discovering the ideas that all civilizations share.

## Cite This Work

### APA
Cartwright, M. (2012, April 26). Hercules and Atlas. *World History Encyclopedia*. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/438/hercules-and-atlas/>
### Chicago
Cartwright, Mark. "Hercules and Atlas." *World History Encyclopedia*, April 26, 2012. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/438/hercules-and-atlas/>.
### MLA
Cartwright, Mark. "Hercules and Atlas." *World History Encyclopedia*, 26 Apr 2012, <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/438/hercules-and-atlas/>.

## License & Copyright

Submitted by [Mark Cartwright](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/markzcartwright/ "User Page: Mark Cartwright"), published on 26 April 2012. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/deed.en). This license lets others remix, tweak, and build upon this content non-commercially, as long as they credit the author and license their new creations under the identical terms. When republishing on the web a hyperlink back to the original content source URL must be included. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.