The Thasian Marble Sarcophagus with the Triumph of Dionysus

The Thasian marble Sarcophagus with the Triumph of Dionysus was discovered in Rome, Italy in about 190 A.D. Carefully etched by a group of Roman imperial artists, the structure sits 47 ½ inches tall, and 92 ½ inches wide (“Sarcophagus with the Triumph of Dionysus”) inside of the Walters Museum. Its enormous attention to detail captivates the symbolism and influence held by the mythological legend. The god, Dionysus, fills an integral role in Grecian Myth. According to Euripides' Bacchae, he represents the animalistic and mystic life force that connects humanity to its innate earthy roots—roots that are illogical, chaotic, and instinctual (Powell 271-282). The triumphal march of Dionysus through the lands of India was equated in Roman thought with the triumph of the deceased over death (“Sarcophagus with the Triumph of Dionysus”). Through their enthusiastic communion with the god, devotees were released from the doldrums of life, and united with a resurrecting force.

Dionysus, the god of wine, was the son of Zeus and Semele. One night, Zeus went to Semele who felt him as a divine presence although he remained unseen to the naked eye. After their rendezvous, word soon got around to Hera, Zeus’ wife, who quickly presumed who was guilty and took action. She went to Semele in disguise, and convinced her that she should ask to see her mysterious lover in his truest form. When Zeus visited with Semele again, she made him swear on the River Styx that he would grant her request. Zeus, who at this point was madly in love, agreed. Bound by his oath, Zeus had no choice but to fulfill her request. Semele was instantly burnt to a crisp at the sight of his divinity, as humans cannot look upon Gods directly without dying. Zeus managed to rescue the infant Dionysus from her womb, and stitched him into his thigh until he would be ready to be born. His birth from Zeus bestowed immortality upon him. Hera, still jealous of Zeus' adultery, and the fact