A History of Western Society: Printed Page 205
PRIMARY SOURCE 7.3
Battle Between Romans and Goths
Rome’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.
EVALUATE THE EVIDENCE
Question
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?
Question
How does this funeral sculpture reinforce or challenge what you have learned about Roman expansion and the Romans’ treatment of the peoples they conquered?