Archaeologists in Pompeii have unearthed a rare depiction of initiation rites into a secret female cult that centred on Dionysus, the ancient Greek god of wine, fertility and ecstasy.

The vibrant frescoes depict female devotees of the cult hunting in the woods, killing and eviscerating wild animals and cavorting in states of ritualistic ecstasy.

One holds a sword while another has the entrails of an animal in her hands.

Some are already members of the Dionysian cult while others are being initiated through secret rites, which are still not fully understood by modern scholars.

The frescoes are a rare pictorial representation of the cult which remains shrouded in mystery after 2,000 years.

At the centre of the tableau is a depiction of an elegantly dressed woman who is about to be initiated into the cult.