Painting and archeology were combined at a new exhibition in Tauride Chersonese

The legendary son of Zeus was discussed through the prism of history and art at the museum-reserve on the eve of National Unity Day. At the opening of the exhibition “Heroes of Chersonesos. Hercules» one could learn about the famous hero of myths and legends, see his images embodied in reliefs, sculptures and coins, as well as get acquainted with the modern interpretation of this character by Crimean and Sevastopol artists.

I am pleased to welcome you to the opening of an interdisciplinary exhibition dedicated to one of the most popular cults of Ancient Greece — the cult of Hercules, which was revered in many cities of Hellas and Chersonese. Even while preparing the exhibition, I began to form associations with modern heroes, whom we look up to, just as the Greeks once looked up to Hercules — the protector and warrior. I thank the staff of Chersonese Tauride and the masters of the brush, thanks to whose close cooperation the exhibition turned out to be so bright, interesting and unusual,” the press service of “Tavrichesky Chersonesos” quotes the director of the museum-reserve E. A. Morozova.

At the opening of the exhibition Dozens of guests visited. Artists, poets and historians of the hero city were the first to appreciate the new temporary exhibition. The archaeological material in it was supplemented with works of art, which allowed everyone to look at Hercules not only through the eyes of the Hellenes, but also through our contemporaries, including famous masters of the brush.

N. L. Demidenko, curator of the exhibition and chief curator of the museum-reserve, gave guests an introductory tour of the new exhibition. She said that the Greeks revered Hercules both as a god and as a hero. The kings of Sparta, Macedonia, Hellenistic Egypt, and representatives of many aristocratic families of the ancient world were considered his descendants. The cult of Hercules was transferred to Chersonesos from the metropolis — Heraclea Pontica, named after this hero.

According to Natalya Demidenko, in the ancient city in the 4th–3rd centuries. BC e. Hercules was revered as the Defender, Savior and Guardian of Borders. This is evidenced by the appearance in Chersonesos of stamps depicting one of the hero’s attributes – a club. Images of Hercules were embodied in marble, limestone, clay and coins. The exhibition presents about 50 museum objects telling about how it seen by the residents of the policy.

We invite everyone to meet the legendary hero of Ancient Greece and Chersonese — Hercules! This can be done until December 3 in the temporary exhibition hall of the Byzantine Exposition. Visiting hours are from 9:00 to 17:00 from Tuesday to Sunday. Admission to the exhibition is free! — noted in the press service of the museum-reserve.