A mythical battle

This sarcophagus, of Luna marble, emerged in the 1960's on the Pianabella, the large necropolis of Ostia to the south of the city. It depicts a fight between Centaurs and Lapiths (also called the Centauromachy). Centaurs are wild, untamed creatures from Greek mythology with the upper body of a human and the lower body and legs of a horse. The human Lapiths were their cousins. The fight started when the Centaurs attempted to abduct the women of the Lapiths. Supported by Theseus the Lapiths defeated the Centaurs.

The sarcophagus in the museum of Ostia. Photo: Klaus Heese.

About ten sarcophagi depicting this struggle are known, mostly from the eastern half of the Empire. This is one of the best preserved. A close parallel is known from Rome, but only as a drawing. It was seen in the Renaissance, but has disappeared.

The lost parallel from Rome. Image: Arachne.

Nothing is known about the tomb from which the sarcophagus comes, and there is no inscription. Stylistically it can be dated to 140-170 AD. The scene is flanked by two Victories, the left one carrying a tropaeum (armour of the defeated foe), the right one a crown and palm branch. In between are four battling groups, of two, two, three and four figures respectively.

Left half. Photo: Klaus Heese.

Right half. Photo: Klaus Heese.

On the sides are female Centaurs, holding clothes and an animal skin over their head (velificatio), implying deification, for which the commentators have furnished no explanation. The sarcophagus reflects the idea that strength and struggle are necessary for civilization to conquer barberism and death, so that peace and happiness may rule.

Left side. Photo: Wikimedia, Sailko.

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