Combat Scene

Physical combat has been a deeply ingrained feature of human civilisation for many thousands of years, often with the aim of acquiring or defending territory, wealth, power or reputation. Success in battle was commonly considered to be illustrative of divine approval, which provided effective political ammunition and is likely a key reason so many images of battles can be seen in ancient art. Greek art, particularly from the Archaic period onwards, gave great prominence to legendary or mythological combat scenes, often from the Trojan War. Amongst Roman artefacts, scenes of gladiatorial combat are common, including souvenir ceramics showing named gladiators.