The mythical Greek god of wine, fertility, and drama, Dionysus (also called Bacchos and known as Bacchus by the Romans) was the son of Zeus and Semele. Although known for his following of those who enjoyed licentious binges, it’s said that Dionysus also dispersed information about the art of vine cultivation. The bacchanals (annual festivals held in his honor) became so outrageously lewd that the Roman Senate finally banned them in 186 A.D.