Orphism is the name given to a set of religious beliefs and practices originating in Thrace and later spreading to the ancient Greek and Hellenistic world, associated with literature ascribed to the mythical Thracian poet Orpheus, who descended into the Greek underworld and returned. This type of journey is called a katabasis and is the basis of several hero worships and journeys. Orphics revered Dionysus and Persephone. Orphism has been described as a reform of the earlier Dionysian religion, involving a re-interpretation or re-reading of the myth of Dionysus and a re-ordering of Hesiod's Theogony, based in part on pre-Socratic philosophy.
Orphic mosaics were found in many late-Roman villas
Nymphs Finding the Head of Orpheus (1900) by John William Waterhouse
Nymphs Listening to the Songs of Orpheus (1853) by Charles Jalabert
Gold orphic tablet and case found in Petelia, southern Italy (British Museum)
In Greek mythology, Orpheus was a Thracian bard, legendary musician and prophet. He was also a renowned poet and, according to the legend, travelled with Jason and the Argonauts in search of the Golden Fleece, and even descended into the underworld of Hades, to recover his lost wife Eurydice.
Roman Orpheus mosaic, a very common subject. He wears a Phrygian cap and is surrounded by the animals charmed by lyre-playing
Orpheus mosaic at Dominican Museum, Rottweil, Germany, 2nd c. AD
Cave of Orpheus's oracle in Antissa, Lesbos
Orpheus with the lyre and surrounded by beasts (Byzantine & Christian Museum, Athens)