Friday, Sep 5, 2025
English News
  • Hyderabad
  • Telangana
  • AP News
  • India
  • World
  • Entertainment
  • Sport
  • Science and Tech
  • Business
  • Rewind
  • ...
    • NRI
    • View Point
    • cartoon
    • My Space
    • Olympics
    • Education Today
    • Reviews
    • Property
    • Lifestyle
E-Paper
  • NRI
  • View Point
  • cartoon
  • My Space
  • Reviews
  • Education Today
  • Property
  • Lifestyle
Home | Lifestyle | 2400 Year Old Dionysus Mask Unearthed

2,400-year-old Dionysus mask unearthed

Popular legend suggests that donning a Dionysus mask freed worshippers from their hidden desires and regrets.

By Telangana Today
Published Date - 2 October 2020, 01:59 PM
2,400-year-old Dionysus mask unearthed
whatsapp facebook twitter telegram

Archaeologists in western Turkey have uncovered an almost perfectly preserved terracotta mask depicting Dionysus, the Greco-Roman god of ecstasy. The team discovered the 2,400-year-old mask while excavating the ancient city of Daskyleion’s acropolis.

Popular legend suggests that donning a Dionysus mask freed worshippers from their hidden desires and regrets. This sense of liberation — and the lavish ceremonies thrown by the god’s followers — contributed to the development of Dionysian theater, encouraging actors to “fully embody their roles into the characters on stage.”


Excavations at Daskyleion are 32 years old, and this is the first time that researchers unearthed a mask which is nearly intact.

The mask appears to dates to the end of the fourth century BC.

The terracotta likeness is one of many intriguing objects found at Daskyleion to date. Located near Lake Manyas in the Bandirma district of Balikesir, the site was first excavated between 1954 and 1960. Archaeological work resumed in 1988.

Earlier this year, they discovered a 2,700-year-old Lydian kitchen cellar in the city’s acropolis. The researchers are now analysing organic matter present in the soil surrounding the structure to learn more about the city’s cuisine.

Daskyleion was reportedly named after Lydian King Dascylus, father of the better-known Gyges. Established around the time of the Trojan War, the city eventually came under control of the Phrygians, Lydians, Persians and Macedonians.

At its peak in 546 BC, Daskyleion served as a satrapal, or administrative center, for the Persian Empire. But the arrival of Alexander the Great’s forces in 334 BC marked the beginning of a shift toward Hellenistic culture.

The city was extremely multicultural. Masks are a recurring theme in Dionysian lore. Known as the ‘masked god’ in recognition of his numerous aliases, Dionysus was widely invoked in theater and revelry — both of which boast ties to masking.

  • Follow Us :
  • Tags
  • Dionysus mask
  • Hellenistic culture
  • Hyderabad
  • Hyderabad News

Related News

  • KGRCET hosts national conference on sustainable water and waste solutions

    KGRCET hosts national conference on sustainable water and waste solutions

  • Hyderabad’s famed Balapur laddu to go under hammer

    Hyderabad’s famed Balapur laddu to go under hammer

  • Hyderabad: Mercedes-Benz India launches ‘DreamDays’ festive campaign

    Hyderabad: Mercedes-Benz India launches ‘DreamDays’ festive campaign

  • Hyderabad: Narayana Schools student wins silver medal in National Gymnastics Championship

    Hyderabad: Narayana Schools student wins silver medal in National Gymnastics Championship

Latest News

  • Mahadev crushes Mayura as Preethesh hits unbeaten 148 in HCA C-Division championship

    2 mins ago
  • Yuvraj launches innovative multi-city Indian Golf Premier League

    11 mins ago
  • The Gambits, a documentary on Global Chess League

    16 mins ago
  • Traffic curbs in Hyderabad for Ganesh idol immersion on Saturday

    22 mins ago
  • 10 indian boxers get bye in first round of World Boxing Championships

    25 mins ago
  • Pro Kabaddi League: Haryana Steelers captain Jaideep’s indefatigable spirit

    33 mins ago
  • Opinion: From Gurukuls to Gaganyaan — The silent teacher

    1 hour ago
  • Sonia Gandhi named in voter list before citizenship, alleges complainant

    1 hour ago

company

  • Home
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy

business

  • Subscribe

telangana today

  • Telangana
  • Hyderabad
  • Latest News
  • Entertainment
  • World
  • Andhra Pradesh
  • Science & Tech
  • Sport

follow us

  • Telangana Today Telangana Today
Telangana Today Telangana Today

© Copyrights 2024 TELANGANA PUBLICATIONS PVT. LTD. All rights reserved. Powered by Veegam