The Ancient World

Sarcophagus with the story of Achilles and Polyxena, Roman, Ca. 250

Museo Nacional del Prado, On View in Room 72

“The story, which is highly appropriate because of its tragic character, is divided into various scenes. the front shows the armistice celebrated between Aqueans and Trojans to celebrate the marriage of Achilles to the Trojan princess, Polyxena. Agamemnon can be clearly seen in the center, between Ulysses and Paris (the latter’s head is restored). The right side shows how the treaty was broken when Achilles dies after being wounded in the heel by Paris.

Finally, the left side shows Polyxena marching to her own sacrifice in honor of the dead hero, accompanied by various Aqueans including Achilles’ son, Neoptoloemus. The front of the sarcophagus is missing, except for a few fragments in the Louvre. It represented a combat between Aqueans and Trojans.”