Sarcophagus with Alcestis of Caius Iunius Euhodus and Metilia Acte

Excavated in 1824-1825 by Pietro and Felice Cartoni on the Pianabella.
Date: 160-170 AD. W. 2.08, h. 0.79, d. 0.91.

The myth of Alcestis is depicted. When Apollo learned that Admetus had not long to live, he persuaded the Fates, the goddesses who determine human destiny, to prolong his life. The Fates imposed the condition that someone else die in Admetus's stead, which Alcestis, his loyal wife, consented to do. Hercules then rescued Alcestis by wrestling at her grave with Death.

On the lid of the sarcophagus is a framed inscription, carried by winged Victories. At the feet of the Victories are flutes, castanets and a tambourine. Above the Victories are torches. On the corners of the lid are masks wearing Phrygian caps.

D(is) M(anibus) C(aius) IVNIVS PAL(atina) EVHODVS MAGISTER Q(uin)Q(uennalis) COLLEGI FABR(um) TIGN(uariorum) OSTIS LVSTRI XXI FECIT SIBI ET METILIAE ACTE SACERDO TI M(atris) D(eum) M(agnae) COLON(iae) OST(iensis) COIVG(i) SANCTISSIME

To the gods of the underworld. Caius Iunius Euhodus, of the Palatina tribe, magister quinquennalis of the guild of the builders of Ostia during the 21st lustrum, made this for himself and for Metilia Acte, priestess of the Great Mother of Gods of the colony of Ostia, his most chast wife.

To the left is the naked Apollo, holding a bow, standing next to a tripod with a snake. To his left are hunters, friends of Admetus.

In the centre we see Alcestis lying on her death bed, surrounded by her family. The naked Admetus stands to the left of the bed. The heads of Admetus and Alcestis are portraits of Euhodus and Acte.

To the right is Proserpina, holding a torch, talking to the enthroned Hades. A bit to the left Hercules, holding the club, is shaking hands with Admetus. Between the two men is Cerberus, guarding the entrance to the underworld. Behind them are the three Fates. To the right of Hercules stands Alcestis, her head covered, rescued from the underworld.

Inv. nr. 1195. Amelung I.3, p. 429-430 nr. 179. CIL XIV, 371. EDR143576. SO IX, nr. 31. Arachne 20382, 604761. Photos: Arachne.