Ancient Greek and Roman Myths Notes
Arcadia
Arcadia,
the central plateau of Peloponnesian peninsular, was in ancient times inhabited
by shepherds and hunters, who worshiped
Pan,
god of flocks and herds. In literature and art Arcadia was idealized and
turned into a pastoral paradise ruled by Pan and inhabited by carefree
shepherds and shepherdesses, Nymphs, and
Satyrs.
The phrase Et in Arcadia ego, which could be found inscribed
on some paintings, means ‘even in Arcadia I (i.e. Death) am to be found’,
that is even in the earth paradise one can't hide from death.
See: Nicolas Poussin. The
Shepherds of Arcadia, The Shepherds
of Arcadia.
