Newly discovered frescoes inPompeiishowcase a wilder and even debaucherous side of ancient Rome’s women.

These frescoes, however, offer a clue into how Dionysiac rituals may have progressed.

Portrayed are severalmaenadsor female devotees of Dionysusin a range of roles.

Dionysiac rituals depicted in frescoes newly discovered in Pompeii.

[Its] a metaphor for a wild, ecstatic life, Zuchtriegel tellsIFLScience.

This smaller composition visualizes a brutal world of animal violence, including a gutted fawn and a wild boar.

To learn more about this fascinating discovery, visit theArchaeological Park of Pompeii website.

Dionysiac rituals depicted in frescoes newly discovered in Pompeii.

Dionysiac rituals depicted in frescoes newly discovered in Pompeii.

Dionysiac rituals depicted in frescoes newly discovered in Pompeii.

Dionysiac rituals depicted in frescoes newly discovered in Pompeii.

Dionysiac rituals depicted in frescoes newly discovered in Pompeii.

Dionysiac rituals depicted in frescoes newly discovered in Pompeii.

Dionysiac rituals depicted in frescoes newly discovered in Pompeii.

Dionysiac rituals depicted in frescoes newly discovered in Pompeii.