Monday, January 2, 2012

The Allegory of Victory (2nd century AD)


This low relief discovered at the top of Byrsa hill represents the allegory of victory in the guise of a winged female, the hair in bun, dressed a pleated tunic and holding an impressive trophy. 

At the top feature the Romans weapons: the helmet and the breast plate where the head of Medusa and two faced griffins are depicted.
At the bottom:  a bow, a quiver, a sword, shields and peltarions shields evoking the Parthians weapons.
Inspired from the Hellenic art, it would commemorate the Roman victory against the Parthians under the join reign of Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus(163-165)
Low relief in white marble Museum of Carthage
3m by 1.2m