Combat Scene

A central activity of men since the dawn of time, physical combat, either in large or small scale, has been of crucial importance either to prove worthiness or for practical acquisition of power and wealth. Success in battle was commonly regarded as symbolic of virtue and divine grace and election beyond simple physical ability and strength. Because of this, in ancient cultures disputes were often resolved with combat. Victory in battle was a very powerful political image and so many have been recovered on ancient artefacts. In Ancient Roman culture, objects with scenes of gladiatorial combat with the name of the winner were popular souvenirs.