Wall Painting of Julius Terentius Performing a Sacrifice

 

 

Paint on Plaster, H. 107.0 cm, W. 165.0 cm. From the Temple of the Palmyrene Gods, Dura-Europos, ca. 239 CE. Yale University Art Gallery, Yale-French Excavations at Dura-Europos: 1931.386. Photography © 2011 Yale University Art Gallery.

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Paint on Plaster, H. 107.0 cm, W. 165.0 cm, D. 13.7 cm
From the Temple of the Palmyrene Gods, Dura-Europos, ca. 239 CE
Yale University Art Gallery, Yale-French Excavations at Dura-Europos: 1931.386
Photography © 2011 Yale University Art Gallery

This painting from the Temple of the Palmyrene Gods mixes Greek, Roman, and Palmyrene elements. It was commissioned by the Roman commander at Dura-Europos, Julius Terentius, identified by a Latin inscription in the center. He performs a sacrifice in front of a military standard, and soldiers stand behind him. The two labeled female figures seated at the lower left personify the cities of Dura and Palmyra. The three male statues in the upper register may represent either Palmyrene gods or deified Roman emperors.