HERCLE

HERCLE: translation

(HERCELE, HERECELE)

The Etruscan divinity corresponding to the Greek Herakles and the Roman Hercules, who can be identified figuratively from the sixth century onward and by name from the fifth century BC. Initially he carried the attributes of bow, quiver, and club, rather than his traditional lion skin. He was very frequently depicted in all forms of artistic repertoire. He appears on the Piacenza liver and has an important sanctuary at Caere, where votives included statuettes and miniature clubs. His image was popular on gemstones.