The Achilles Sarcophagus - II
The humiliation of Hector’s corpse. Earlier in Homer’s epic account, Achilles had been overwhelmed by anger upon learning of the death of his great friend, Patroklos, at the hands of Hector. He had sworn to kill Hector, whom he pursued three times around the walls of Troy. Finally, Hector had turned to face him with a plea that if he were killed, his body might be spared and returned to his father. But Achilles refused this request and slew him regardless. He then defiled Hector’s body and dragged it round Patroklos’ tomb on twelve consecutive days, leaving it there as a consolation for his friend’s ghost and refusing to return it to Priam.
Attic Sarcophagus
Roman period - 2nd Century AC
From Ladochori, Epire, Greece
Ioannina, Archaeological Museum
The Achilles Sarcophagus - II
The humiliation of Hector’s corpse. Earlier in Homer’s epic account, Achilles had been overwhelmed by anger upon learning of the death of his great friend, Patroklos, at the hands of Hector. He had sworn to kill Hector, whom he pursued three times around the walls of Troy. Finally, Hector had turned to face him with a plea that if he were killed, his body might be spared and returned to his father. But Achilles refused this request and slew him regardless. He then defiled Hector’s body and dragged it round Patroklos’ tomb on twelve consecutive days, leaving it there as a consolation for his friend’s ghost and refusing to return it to Priam.
Attic Sarcophagus
Roman period - 2nd Century AC
From Ladochori, Epire, Greece
Ioannina, Archaeological Museum