The Realm of Hades - Sposari

In Greek Mythological imagination, Hades is the God of the underworld.

In the artistic reimagining proposed here, Hades is depicted protecting the Necropolis of Abakainon, the seat of his realm, holding the scepter containing the cold flame symbolizing death.

By his side is his faithful "Cerberus," whose portrayal aims to soften the negative characteristics of the creature, also giving the three-headed dog a protective role towards the deceased.

The positive image of the dog was inspired by one of the many stray dogs cared for and protected by the municipal administration.

The depiction of the Necropolis, shown in twilight colors by the ancient belief that placed the realm of Hades along the sunset line, reflects the result of the architectural research conducted in the field by DICAR of the Polytechnic University of Bari, under the supervision of Professor Monica Livadiotti.

The Hellenistic Necropolis of Abakainon, located in Cardusa, covering an area of approximately 2000 sq m., organized in terraces, utilizing the different levels of a disused quarry, has yielded interesting funerary monuments made with a limestone identical to that of the natural rock bench and the quarry itself.

The models vary, ranging from simple stone box tombs to those with a pedestal base or column, to more complex funerary monuments in the form of a small temple (Naiskos).