Do you have an Achilles heel? Have you ever completed a herculean task? Have you been the victim of a Trojan horse? Or referred to someone as an Adonis?

Perhaps one of the most significant contributions passed down to us from the ancient Greeks and Romans is their fascinating and complex mythology. Its influence can be seen everywhere — in art and literature, science and medicine, our cultural traditions, and even popular culture.

More than sixty prints from the Reading Public Museum’s permanent collection help tell the stories of the ancients, from the creation of the universe to the exploits of tempestuous gods and goddesses, the adventures of heroes, and the misfortunes of unlucky humans. 

While fantastical, these tales give us a unique insight into how ancient Greeks and Romans viewed the world around them. These myths served to explain both the natural world and the conventions and customs of their societies, including gender roles and sexuality, and attitudes on fate, beauty, heroism, and the afterlife.

A Powerful Pantheon will be on display in RPM’s Works on Paper Gallery.