In recent weeks, a unique collection of nearly life-sized paintings was uncovered in Pompeii, shedding light on the rituals associated with the Greek god of wine in the ancient city that perished 2,000 years ago.

Archaeologists excavated frescoes that adorned three walls inside a decaying banquet hall, depicting the mysterious initiation ceremonies called the Mysteries of Dionysus, originating from 40-30 BC, as reported by the Pompeii Archaeological Park.

The remarkable depictions revealed followers of Dionysus engaged in dance and hunting activities, mirroring the frescoes discovered a century ago at the nearby Villa of the Mysteries.

“In 100 years’ time, today will be remembered as historic because the discovery we are presenting is historic,” said Italian Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli, who attended the unveiling of the frescoes.

“Alongside the Villa of the Mysteries, this fresco forms an unparalleled testament to the lesser-known aspects of ancient Mediterranean life.”

Part of the mural depicts female followers of Dionysus — who is also the ancient Greek god of fertility, theater and religious ecstasy — as both dancers and hunters with a goat on their shoulders or with a sword and the guts of an animal in their hands, according to the organization.

Other parts of the painting show young satires with pointed ears playing the double flute as another puts on a wine sacrifice.

At the center, there is a well-dressed woman possibly waiting for her initiation while another part of the painting shows live and sacrificed animals, including a freshly gutted bear, which displays the dual nature of Dionysian worship that meshes revelry with primal sacrifice.

“The question is, what do you want to be in life, the hunter or the prey?” said the director of Pompeii, Gabriel Zuchtriegel.

The recent discovery comes on the heels of the unearthing of the largest private Roman bath house in January.

The bustling city was leveled in the year 79 AD when Mount Vesuvius blew its top, killing 10% of Pompeii’s 20,000 residents while coating the area in thick ash.

With Post wires.