I love these kinds of stories. An ancient sarcophagus has been found in Cyrpus. The 2,500 year old burial vessel bears "vivid color illustrations from Homer's epics". I understand from the article that it is the best one of these ever discovered, that the other two -- in museums in London and New York -- are not as colorful.

Fascinating:

[T]he coffin painted in red, black and blue on a white background dated to 500 B.C., when Greek cultural influence was gaining a firm hold on the eastern Mediterranean island. Pottery discovered in the tomb is expected to provide a precise date.

Experts believe the ornate decoration features the hero Ulysses in scenes from Homer's Iliad and Odyssey both hugely popular throughout the Greek world.

In one large painting, Ulysses and his comrades escape from the blind Cyclops Polyphemos' cave, hidden under a flock of sheep. Another depicts a battle between Greeks and Trojans from the Iliad.

Just in case the article link expires, I reproduce the whole of it in extended entry. more...

Posted by: Random Penseur at 11:55 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
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