Mythological Scenes Depicted on the Sepulchral Monuments of Noricum and Pannonia

Abstract

The sepulchral monuments of Noricum and Pannonia dating to the Antonine - Severan period (and later), particularly the aediculae, are characterised by abundant mythological decoration. The central mythological scene of a more or less detailed mythological apparatus is one of the three key ingredients used in presenting the deceased or their families, the other two being the portraits and the inscription tablet (all of them placed on the front facade of the monument). The choice of the mythological scenes is guided by the two basic art themes found on Roman sepulchral monuments – death, consolation, and mourning, and, on the other hand, homage to the deceased and his virtues, or mourning and farewell. Both themes correspond to the topoi of funeral poetry and rhetoric. The choice of the individual myths reveals differences between the sarcophagi of Rome and the products of Noricum or Pannonia, as well as between the products of Noricum and of the Pannonian centres.