The Treasury of the Siphnians, built of island marble, was erected in a central position in the Sanctuary of Apollo at Delphi, in 525 BC. It was dedicated by the citizens of the island of Siphnos to Apollo and financed from the high profits of the silver mines.
This Treasury was admired already in Antiquity for its rich and elegant ornamentation and sculpture, running from top to bottom.
The best-preserved plaques of the building's frieze are those of the East facade, devoted to the Trojan Circle. The scene is divided in two parts: the eastern represents the gathering of the Olympian's Assembly; the western, a battle of heroes over the body of a dead warrior.
The figures in the scene have been safely identified due to the important recent discovery of the names written in color.
The Gods, who protect the Trojans, are seated on the left side under the leadership of Zeus; those protecting the Greeks are on the right, under the leadership of Athena. Present in the Gods' Assembly are Thetis and Eos, the mothers of Achilles and Memnon respectively, begging for their sons' life.
The episode represents the Τrojans Aeneas and Memnon against Achilles and a co-warrior over the dead body of Antilochos. Nestor is also present at the fight. Among the two groups of Gods at the missing part, Hermes was, most probably, represented weighing the souls of Achilles and Memnon.
The Siphnian Treasury Frieze: Informative Image Compilation |
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The Siphnian Treasury Frieze: The Siphnian Treasure in Delphi (blow-up from the previous image). |
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The Siphnian Treasury Frieze: Impressive Photo of the whole of the Frieze
Examination, documentation and interpretation: Vinzenz Brinkmann
Development of reconstruction, painting (using authentic pigments and binder): Ulrike Koch-Brinkmann
Blue: Azurite
Red: Cinnabar
Green: Malachite
Yellow: Ochre
Painted cast: Stiftung Archäologie Universität Göttingen
Original: Delphi, Archaeological Museum |
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The Siphnian Treasury Frieze: Photo of the Fight Scene
Τrojans Aeneas and Memnon against Achilles and a co-warrior over the dead body of Antilochos. |
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The Siphnian Treasury Frieze: Aeneas and Memnon in the Fight Scene |
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The Siphnian Treasury Frieze: Nestor and a four-horses chariot (Tethrippon) during the fight. |
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The Siphnian Treasury Frieze: The Gods protecting the Trojans seated under the leadership of Zeus |
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The Siphnian Treasury Frieze: Zeus, Father of Gods |
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