Myth, Meaning, and Memory on Roman Sarcophagi - Tapa dura

This study of the role of Greek mythology in Roman funerary art examines two myths (Aphrodite and Adonis, Selene and Endymion) not only with respect to their appearance on Roman sarcophagi, but also with regard to the myths' significance in the greater fabric of Roman life. Moving beyond the examination of these sarcophagi as artistic achievements, the book sets them in their broader historical and social contexts. Remembrance was an important factor in ancient social life and fueled the need for memorials. In helping us to understand the powerful allusions that Greek myths presented for the Romans, and the role of those allusions in preserving the memory of the dead, the book effectively widens our vision of the ancient world.

"Koortbojian makes bold, original, and well-grounded claims regarding the structure of narrative as it appears on a series of mythological sarcophagi. He achieves remarkable clarity and depth with economical description and analysis. The book will interest students not only of Roman art but also of all visual narrative and mythology."Leonard Barkan, Samuel Rudin Professor of English, New York University