Profectio and Αdventus Augusti – Caesar’s departure and arrival in a city and reception by its residents
The frieze is delimited at both ends by figures of Nike (Victory) in niches. Caesar is shown on an open, two-wheeled chariot accompanied by mounted and infantry guards. The subject of this scene is Caesar’s journey from one city to another and his triumphal reception by its inhabitants (fig.1).
Triumphal victory scene, Galerius and the Persians
The scene depicts a battle between the Romans and Persians. It is dominated by the majestic figure of Caesar, on horseback, with rich relief decoration on his breastplate where a wolf is depicted with twin boys—the symbol of Rome. His opponent, a bearded Persian, may depict the Persian king (fig.2).
Harmony and unity of the rulers of the Tetrarchy—Triumphal representation of the Tetrarchs
The two Augusti, Diocletian and Maximianus, are shown seated on “heavenly arches” «αψίδες ουράνιες», the symbol of their omnipotence. The two Caesars, Galerius and Constantine, stand beside the two Augusti and function as their assistants. The female figures kneeling before Caesar depict the personified provinces towards which the rulers extend their hands, thus indicating their favor towards them. The scene illustrates the manner of governance of the Tetrarchy (fig.3).
Seven Victories (Nikes) in seven niches – considerably worn
Seven niches are discernible in this scene, each containing a figure of Victory (Nike). The same type is repeated in each of the figures: dressed in a peplos, they hold a palm branch in their left hand and a statuette in their right (fig.4).
Texts : Dr Dimitra Aktseli, Archaeologist
Source of photographs: German Archaeological Institute at Athens, 1935 and archive Ch.Makarona 1946, 1964.
