Object Number: H932

Collection: World Archaeology

Object Name: urn, cinerary

Description: Terracotta cinerary urn with lid in form of sarcophagus. Reclining female figure on lid, draped in a mantle, with her head upon two pillows. On the front of the urn there is a moulded decoration depicting a combat scene with four figures: on the right is a soldier holding a round shield (hoplite?), beside him a soldier wearing a loin cloth stabs with a spear or hooked plough-shareat a kneeling klited enemy soldier who draws back hios sword arm, behind him stands a soldier wielding a sword and wearing a red cloak. The scene is said to re[present the Battle of Marathon betweeen the Persians and the Athenians in 490 BCE, and was a popular subject for these urns. Above the scene there is a painted inscription on the 'frame' of the scene, partially preserved: 'IAST...INA THAPRN' daughter of A. Anaina. There are traces of red, black and yellow colours on the lid and front face of the urn.