Archaeologists have uncovered fragments of a life-size mural depicting the Greek Trojan War hero Achilles in the remains of a Roman home near Reims, France. The discovery, dating to the 2nd century CE, sheds new light on the cultural reach and artistic sophistication of ancient Roman Gaul.
The mural, depicting the mythological tale of Achilles and Deidamia, was found on the western outskirts of what was once the Roman city of Durocortorum, now modern-day Reims.
The discovery offers a rare glimpse into the tastes and traditions of the Roman elite who lived far from the empire’s major urban centers.
Luxurious statues and frescoes found in ancient Roman home
Reims, France. Archaeologists discovered a domus, or luxury urban house, dating to the second century during housing construction along the Rue de la Magdeleine,https://t.co/ZBCMsN57EL pic.twitter.com/pvDDkdfSfi
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Details of the mural of Achilles found in France
The fresco, an example of megalography, features life-sized figures. Megalography refers to artworks that depict life-sized or larger-than-life subjects, often emphasizing their grandeur or importance. This was considered a prestigious form of art during the Roman era, showcasing significant individuals or mythological themes, such as the Greek hero Achilles and Deidamia, a narrative tied to the Trojan War.
The story of Achilles and Deidamia was popular in ancient Greek and Roman culture, symbolizing themes of fate, heroism and destiny. To protect Achilles from a prophecy predicting his death in the Trojan War, his mother, Thetis, disguised him as a girl and sent him to the court of King Lycomedes on the island of Skyros.
There, Achilles lived among the king’s daughters under the name Pyrrha and secretly fell in love with Deidamia, who bore him a son, Neoptolemus. When the Greeks learned through a prophecy that they could not win the Trojan War without Achilles, Odysseus devised a plan to reveal him.
Disguised as a merchant, Odysseus laid out fine jewelry alongside a shield and spear. When a false alarm of an enemy attack was staged on the island, Achilles instinctively grabbed the weapons hidden among the goods presented to him, thereby revealing his true identity.
Accepting his fate, Achilles joined the war, knowing it would lead to his early death but ensure his eternal glory.
Documentation of similar frescos
According to researchers from France’s National Institute of Preventative Archaeological Research (INRAP), similar frescoes have only been documented in four other locations: Aquileia, Pompeii, Rome and now, Reims. The discovery highlights the strong cultural connections between this provincial capital and the Roman heartlands.
An imposing Roman residence
The life-size mural of Achilles was found within the ruins of a Roman domus, a large home that likely belonged to a wealthy and influential family. The house featured an impressive façade with two grand pillars and elaborately decorated walls. These architectural details suggest the owners had significant social status and refined artistic tastes.
The location of the domus, over a kilometer from Durocortorum’s central forum and near the Vesle River, has intrigued archaeologists. While the heart of the city was known for its bustling political and religious activity, the outskirts remain less understood.
The discovery of such high-quality art in a peripheral area raises questions about the status of the residents. Researchers speculate it may have been a peaceful second residence for a powerful family or the home of a local elite connected to the city’s leadership.
Supporting discoveries
Archaeologists from the National Institute of Preventative Archaeological Research (INRAP) have uncovered three opulent bronze statuettes during excavations of a Roman domus complex in Reimes, France. pic.twitter.com/wXXJ6Dwfg2
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In addition to the fresco, archaeologists uncovered three finely crafted bronze statuettes within the debris of what appeared to be a fire-damaged room. These artifacts add to the picture of wealth and artistry associated with the house.
One statuette depicts Mars, the Roman god of war. The 18-centimeter figure features silver-inlaid eyes and intricate details, including a breastplate adorned with the head of Medusa and a relief of the Capitoline wolf nursing Romulus and Remus. The craftsmanship suggests it was a prized possession.
A bull statuette, measuring 16.7 centimeters wide, displays a naturalistic expression and stands on a sturdy rectangular base. The third figure, a 30.7-centimeter-tall female figure, combines various mythological symbols.
She wears a helmet decorated with a sphinx and a crown resembling city walls. Her hand holds Hercules’ club entwined with a serpent, resting on the Nemean Lion’s skin, hinting at a blend of mythologies.
A window into Roman Gaul
The discovery of life-size mural of hero Achilles offer a rare view into the artistic and cultural life of Roman Gaul’s wealthy citizens. The life-sized mural of Achilles, in particular, underscores how deeply Roman artistic traditions influenced even distant parts of the empire.
“The richness of the decorative repertoire points to affluent owners with strong ties to Roman artistic traditions,” INRAP noted.
The discovery continues to provide clues about life in ancient Roman Gaul, showing that artistic sophistication and mythological themes were enjoyed by the elite, no matter their distance from Rome’s core.