Volute lamp with angular snout. - The motif of the lamp mirror shows the two gladiator types Thraex and Myrmillo. Gladiator fights have their origin in the Etruscan funeral cult. The duel was supposed to make the gods of the dead merciful. The fights were also a sign of the power and wealth of the deceased and his family. In ancient Rome, the games were held in the arena for the pleasure of the people. Politicians financed them to catch votes before elections. (AVS)
Former August Kestner Collection, Rome
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