This extraordinary sarcophagus was found in 1931 near the Tiburtina road, just outside the ancient city of Rome. It can be dated to 180AD.
It shows the scene of a battle, staged on two levels rendered in a very vivid way.
The winning Romans can be seen in the upper level while the defeated barbarians are humiliated and defeated below them.
A roman horseman, in the centre- surely the owner of the tomb, is depicted in the guise of universal victor.
The top part of the coffin also celebrates the dead man and his wife: The woman exercises her virtues in the house, weaving and educating the children; while the man, after his warlike activities, receives the submission of the enemies.
It shows the scene of a battle, staged on two levels rendered in a very vivid way.
The winning Romans can be seen in the upper level while the defeated barbarians are humiliated and defeated below them.
A roman horseman, in the centre- surely the owner of the tomb, is depicted in the guise of universal victor.
The top part of the coffin also celebrates the dead man and his wife: The woman exercises her virtues in the house, weaving and educating the children; while the man, after his warlike activities, receives the submission of the enemies.
The bloody scenes are framed by two pairs of enslaved barbarians, representing the sufferings of those who rebel against the dominion of Rome. The sides of the sarcophagus show the barbarian prisoners conducted to submit to the roman officials.
The congested scene is emphasized by deep chiaroscuro effects inspired by the scenes and style of the Marcus Aurelius column.
The owner can be identified with an official of Marcus ‘Aurelio in command of cavalry squadrons during the war against the Marcomanni (172-175AD).
Palazzo Massimo Museum
The congested scene is emphasized by deep chiaroscuro effects inspired by the scenes and style of the Marcus Aurelius column.
The owner can be identified with an official of Marcus ‘Aurelio in command of cavalry squadrons during the war against the Marcomanni (172-175AD).
Palazzo Massimo Museum
