Hercules (Herakles) was a hero of Greek mythology famous for his great strength and endurance. Celebrated as an extraordinary mortal, his success in seemingly impossible labours won him an immortal place amongst the gods. As the greatest of heroes, he has been ascribed a multitude of adventures over the centuries which were probably originally connected to lesser, more local figures.
More about: HerculesDefinition
Timeline
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600 BCE - 500 BCECorinthian pottery depicts scenes of the centaur Pholos and Hercules.
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600 BCE - 500 BCEThe first depictions on black-figure pottery of Hercules fighting the centaur Nessos.
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c. 457 BCEMetopes on the Temple of Zeus at Olympia depict the twelve labours of Hercules.
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c. 417 BCEEuripides' tragedy 'Hercules' is first performed.
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225 BCE - 150 BCEThe Temple of Hercules is built at Ostia.
