Archetypes described in the Oxford Dictionary are a recurrent symbol or motif in literature, art, or mythology. Much of the symbolism which occured in Ancient Greek culture can also be seen within Roman. Whether this was deliberate or was incorporated over time, many ideas within these societies' mythology and religious values are so similar in fact they may only differ by name. As death has always fascinated human societies throughout history, what comes in the next life has always been up for debate. Most cultures, including that of Ancient Greek and Roman identify individual places, set aside for those who fell within the gods favor, or those who didn't. The concepts of "Heaven" and "Hell" within this analysis relate to the ideas of a place for those who do good deeds within life, and a place of punishment for those who did not. These concepts helped influence the living to undergo morals in life which may reward them in death. Though not everyone undertook this lifestyle, it gave meaning for those who did believe, gave peace of mind for loved ones and set moral standards within these societies.

Greek mythos regarding the afterlife differed from the Christan idea of Heaven and Hell, as both aspects are considered the dominion of the Underworld (The Underworld). In Greek myth, after the end of the rule of the Titans and the Olympians, (current Greek Pantheon) established themselves, dominion of the realm was split amongst Zeus, Hades and Poseidon.

Zeus took the heavens and Earth, Poseidon was given the Seas and Hades the underworld. The underworld generally consists of three major regions where the dead reside. The deepest level of the underworld is Tartarus, and is said to be far down in the earth where an anvil would take nine days to fall. (The Underworld). This is regarded as the place of punishment and suffering, where only the souls of the damned were sent. Next is the Asphodel Meadows, which is where a majority of people would end up; This was a place of indifference for those who caused no direct good or badness within their life (The Underworld). Lastly there was the place all mortals should have aspired to go, Elysium or the Elysian Field s. This would be the representation of Heaven, where heroes reside and residents are free of work and suffering for eternity.