Niche in the Temple of Isis at Pompei 

This print, made by Giovanni Battista Piranesi, depicts a niche in the Temple of Isis at Pompeii. Note the prominent presence of serpents, symbols deeply embedded in the ancient world. Here, the serpent may represent rebirth and healing, sacred to Isis, but this symbol has taken many forms throughout history. Consider the serpent in the Garden of Eden, a symbol of temptation and forbidden knowledge. Yet, in ancient Greece, the serpent entwined on the Rod of Asclepius embodies medicine and health. The serpent's duality reveals how symbols evolve. What was once revered can become feared, demonstrating our collective subconscious at play. These images resonate because they tap into primal fears and hopes, illustrating how cultural memory shapes our understanding. The serpent continues to transform, reappearing in new guises, and reminding us of the past's enduring influence.