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Battle of the Romans and Barbarians (Ludovisi Battle Sarcophagus)

by Dr. Steven Zucker and Dr. Beth Harris

Romans fight barbarians on this chaotic coffin, which shows signs of a turn in artistic trends.

Battle of the Romans and Barbarians (Ludovisi Battle Sarcophagus), c. 250-260 C.E. (Museo Nazionale Romano-Palazzo Altemps, Rome)

Additional resources
This sarcophagus at the Palazzo Altemps

Smarthistory images for teaching and learning:

Ludovisi Battle Sarcophagus, detail with trumpeter

Ludovisi Battle Sarcophagus, top right

Ludovisi Battle Sarcophagus, detail of fallen man

Ludovisi Battle Sarcophagus, detail with horse lead by reins

Ludovisi Battle Sarcophagus, with Beth

Ludovisi Battle Sarcophagus, oblique view from right

Ludovisi Battle Sarcophagus, detail with fallen horseman

Ludovisi Battle Sarcophagus, lower right

Ludovisi Battle Sarcophagus, detail at right edge

Ludovisi Battle Sarcophagus, detail with 2 captive Goths

Ludovisi Battle Sarcophagus, detail with horse's head

Ludovisi Battle Sarcophagus, bottom center

Ludovisi Battle Sarcophagus, detail with two barbarian heads

Ludovisi Battle Sarcophagus, detail with Roman framed by shields

More Smarthistory images…

Cite this page as: Dr. Steven Zucker and Dr. Beth Harris, "Battle of the Romans and Barbarians (Ludovisi Battle Sarcophagus)," in Smarthistory, December 9, 2015, accessed June 9, 2023, https://smarthistory.org/battle-of-the-romans-and-barbarians-ludovisi-battle-sarcophagus/.