In Depth Analysis
Endless Punishment
Among the ancient pagans, the belief in a hell of some sort was very general, if not universal. It was known by various names, as Orcus, Erebus, Tartarus, and Infernus or Inferna, whence our expression "infernal regions." The views current respecting it were different at different periods, and among different nations, according to the degree of civilization, and the genius of the people. What follows will have respect mostly to the Romans, Greeks, and Egyptians.
1. Its Location. It was supposed to be as far below the earth (or as deep down in it), as the heavens are above it. Hesiod, the Greek poet, who lived 850 B.C., is very precise in his statement, and says a mass of iron would be nine days falling from heaven to earth, and nine more in falling from earth to hell. So say Apollodorus, Virgil, and others.
2. The Inhabitants. Some idea of the natives of the country may be gathered from the following description, taken from the Aeneid of Virgil.
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