The labours of Hercules, a well-known type of Sarcophagus. The sarcophagus was found by coincidence in 1991, near the Seyyid Burhanettin Türbesi (in the Archaeological Museum’s neighbourhood), during digging operations in preparation of a new ‘Kültür Sitesi’ (Cultural Center).
It is from the so-called ‘Pamphylia’-type (= the Antalya region) and dated to the 2nd or early 3th century AD.
Dimensions: 215 x 101 cm, height: 133 cm.
On the picture: The gates of the underworld, guarded by the Dioscuri Castor and Pollux.
Their mother was Leda, but Castor was the mortal son of Tyndareus, the king of Sparta, and Pollux the divine and immortal son of Zeus, who seduced Leda in the guise of a swan. The Dioscuri were regarded as helpers of humankind, who characteristically intervened at the moment of crisis. Both Dioscuri were excellent horsemen and hunters who participated in Herkules’ hunting of the Calydonian Boar.
Correspondent: J.M.Criel, Antwerpen
Sources: Kayseri Arkeoloji Müzesi & Vikipedia/Wikipedia .
If you like sarcophagi, don't miss the ones I show in collections at Istanbul or Antalya.