Once, the demigod Hercules (Herakles) travelled to Troy and killed a sea-monster for the city’s king, Laomedon. When Laomedon refused to pay the hero for his services, things took a dramatic turn.

The ancient Greek hero Hercules (or Herakles) might seem to have survived all of his encounters unscathed. However, one source suggests that his victory over the Nemean Lion came at a cost.

Around the mid-sixth century BCE, Greek vase-painters began depicting mythological episodes involving the hero Herakles set in Libya and Egypt. While these are typically seen as visualizations of Greek preoccupation with barbarian “others,” closer examination reveals a more complex reality.

Ancient heroes and divinities, like Heracles, are recognizable by their physical appearance and, especially, their attributes.

The promontories that flank the entrance to the Strait of Gibraltar were referred to as the Pillars of Hercules.

A funny statue of Hercules in an exhibition on Carthage depicts him as a drunk relieving himself.

This is an excellent book, clearly laid out, and written in an engaging and pleasant manner, that comes warmly recommended.

Disney does Hercules, resulting in an entertaining movie that’s fun for all the family – although purists may scoff at the liberties taken with the source material.

The sequel to Steve Moore’s first graphic novel treatment of the hero Hercules is essentially more of the same.

Some of the best so-called Peplum movies are two Italian-produced films about Hercules starring Steve Reeves.