The Greek hero Hercules had been revered since ancient times in the Italic, Etruscan and Latin areas, as well as in Magna Graecia. The reason for his popularity, particularly among the Samnite populations of the central Apennines, lies in his protection of activities that were crucial to the Italic communities' lives such as war, trade, agriculture and shepherding.
His association with specific tasks was usually highlighted through certain attributes, as with the Hercules Invictus in Tivoli, where he is known to have been associated with financial and military activities. When invoked for political reasons, such as in the administrative unification of small towns under the aegis of Sulmo (Sulmona), Hercules was referred to as either Curino or Quirino. The widespread popularity of his cult is well attested by votive offerings found in many Italic sanctuaries, which include some small bronze statues.
One in particular, possibly from Venafro and dated from the Third Century BCE, features an inscription in the local Oscan language and was dedicated by two men in gratitude for help received. Another finely-crafted bronze statuette from the sanctuary of Ercole Curino, also from the Third Century BCE and modelled on the famed Hercules at Rest by the Greek sculptor Lysippos (Fourth Century BCE), is a remarkable example within this category. The dedicator, M. Attius Peticius, was an exponent of the local elite and member of a trading gens. He clearly understood the value and antiquity of the work when he dedicated it at the start of the First Century CE.