1. “The Cask of Amontillado”
By Edgar Allan Poe

2. Italy 18th Century
Italy’s enchantment lies within its art culture, specifically opera, theatre, architecture, paintings, and sculptures.

3. Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous
Paintings

4. Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous
Jewelry

5. Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous
Palazzos (mansions)

6. Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous
Fine Wines

7. Carnival
Carnival is a secular holiday, but it evolved from the Christian observance known as Lent, the forty-day period of fasting prior to Easter.

8. Carnival
In anticipation of the solemnity of Lent, the celebration of Carnival evolved.
Participants engaged in excessive and extreme behavior to bid farewell to meat-eating and merriment.
Carnival is a time of EXCESS and INDULGENCE where binging upon food and alcohol is common.

9. Carnival
The combination of costumes and alcohol gave people a sense of freedom and anonymity.

10. Carnival
The costumes they wore sometimes had a greater meaning, or a symbol that was reflected in life.

11. Catacombs: Cities of the Dead
Catacombs, underground burial chambers, became a viable alternative to cemeteries in Europe.

12. Catacombs: Cities of the Dead
Catacombs are characterized by extensive tunnels leading to chambers or recesses where the dead repose for eternity. The wealthy could opt for family catacombs beneath their estates.

13. Catacombs as Wine Cellars
During the 18th century, modern electric refrigeration was not available. To protect wine collections, connoisseurs adopted the practice of storing wines under the ground where temperatures remain ideal year-round.

14. Amontillado
Amontillado, a fine sherry wine, can be kept down in the catacombs, amongst the bones of relatives passed.