Bacchus is the name used by the Romans for the god of wine, Dionysus. The Romans say he was the son of Jupiter and Semele.

Bacchus represents the social influence and gaiety of dance and play, a true lover of peace. Not just the intoxicating power of wine.

The name Bacchus came into use in ancient Rome during the 5th century BC. It refers to the cries with which he was worshipped at the Bacchanalia, frenetic celebrations in his honor.

. The Bacchanalia, orgies in honor of Dionysus, were introduced in Rome around 200 BCE. These infamous celebrations, got so out of hand that they were forbidden by the Roman Senate in 186 BCE. Bacchus is also identified with the old-Italian god Liber.

Michangelo had come to Rome from Florence slightly less than two years before he carved Bacchus, his first major work.