Small statue of Bacchus

From: Spoonley Wood, Gloucestershire
Date: Roman Britain

We can tell who Roman gods and goddesses are by what they are carrying, wearing or doing. This god is holding an empty wine cup and leaning against a vine. Other statues often show him with a bunch of grapes. He is Bacchus, the god of wine and partying. Not surprisingly, he became very popular in Britain.

Bacchus was followed by a group of fun-loving people. According to legend he led them from India to Greece. When he entered Greece he was riding a chariot drawn by panthers. Can you see the panther resting at his feet?