Sarcophagus (without lid) at The Getty Villa, Los Angeles

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Four pivotal moments from the storied life of Greek hero Achilles adorn this Roman sarcophagus. The front panel vividly depicts Achilles desecrating the corpse of fallen Trojan warrior Hektor by dragging it behind his chariot. A compact end panel shows Achilles donning his armor, while another showcases Odysseus discovering Achilles hiding among King Lykomedes' daughters on Skyros. The unfinished rear panel features a battle between Greeks and centaurs, likely referencing Achilles' education under the centaur Chiron. In Roman burial customs, scenes from prominent figures' lives were often used to decorate sarcophagi. On the lid, a couple reclines on an upholstered couch; the figures' heads remained incomplete so they could be carved into portraits of the deceased when purchased. However, these portraits were never completed due to unknown reasons. Mass-producing burial containers was common from 150 to 250 AD. Athenian sarcophagi featured intricate carvings on all sides and often included reclining figures atop them. This object contributes to "Scan The World", a non-profit initiative allowing people to access digital archives of fully printable sculptures, artworks, and landmarks worldwide for free. Scan the World is an open-source community effort; if you have items you'd like to contribute, email stw@myminifactory.com to learn how to participate. Scanned using photogrammetry software Agisoft PhotoScan.