Battle Between Romans and GothsRome’s wars with the Germanic-speaking groups along its northern border come to life in this relief from a Roman sarcophagus of the third century C.E., discovered in a tomb in the city of Rome. The Romans are wearing helmets, and the soldier at the right is wearing iron or bronze chain mail, a defensive technology that the Romans adapted from the Celts. (© Vanni Archive/Art Resource, NY)> PICTURING THE PASTANALYZING THE IMAGE: How would you describe this depiction of war? How does the artist show Roman superiority over the barbarians through the placement, dress, and facial features of the soldiers?
CONNECTIONS: How does this funeral sculpture reinforce or challenge what you have learned about Roman expansion and the Romans’ treatment of the peoples they conquered?