THE SHIELD OF ACHILLES

Artistic Reconstruction and Original Translation From Homer's "Iliad" by Kathleen Vail

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  • Home
  • Foreword
  • Prologue
    • The Timeless Roots of The Trojan War
    • A Mother’s Sad Request For Her Son
  • Appearance
    • I. Epicenter: CREATION
    • II. Inner Ring: CIVIL LIFE
    • III. Middle Ring: WARTIME
    • IV. Outer Ring: PEACETIME
    • V. Outer Rim: MIGHTY OCEAN CURRENT
  • Disappearance
    • The Epic Death of Achilles
    • The Divine Shield of Achilles Disappears
    • Beyond Homer: Other Legends of Achilles’ Shield
  • Significance
    • Finding Physical Significance in a Literal Shield
    • Regarding the Metaphorical Motifs on Achilles’ Shield
    • Appreciating the Spiritual Allegories on Achilles’ Shield
  • Cast & References
    • Glossary of Characters
    • Scene References
    • Bibliography
  • Achilles’ Posts
  • About

Guest Post: Achilles’ Shield and Schiller’s Philosophy of Aesthetics, by Corry Shores

September 14, 2018September 22, 2018Kathleen_Vail 8 Comments
Friedrich Schiller - German Postage Stamp via Wikimedia Commons

Combining Friedrich Schiller's philosophical view of aesthetics with a full gallery of images, Corry Shores of Pirates & Revolutionaries offers a deeper appreciation for the many interpretations of Achilles' legendary shield. ...Continue Reading

Guest Poem: “Upon Trojan Field, At Dawn” by Ismail Butera

September 5, 2018September 4, 2018Kathleen_Vail 2 Comments
Attic Black-figure Amphora attributed to the Tyrrhenian Group, ca. 560-550 BCE. Source: copyright Yale University Art Gallery, via Dartmouth.edu

Upon Trojan Field, At Dawn - This heart-stopping poem by Ismail Butera communicates like a warrior bard on a treasure hunt while sifting through the remains of battle-bloodied corpses. With lines that will give you goosebumps, your breath will catch in your throat as you float in the dawning air above the littered battlefield of Troy. ...Continue Reading

Thetis Delivering Achilles’ Shield in Art Through the Ages

August 14, 2018August 25, 2018Kathleen_Vail 13 Comments
Achilles Receiving New Armor From Thetis, Wall Mural by Carl Adolf Henning, ca. 1838-1856. Source: CC0 via Wikimedia Commons

The epic voyage of Thetis delivering Achilles' shield and spectacular new armor spans nearly 2,600 years of art history, adorning objects as diverse as ancient Greek vases, magnificent gold jewelry, bronze chariots and...Continue reading

C.P. Cavafy: The Horses of Achilles – A New Translation by Kathleen Vail

July 12, 2018July 12, 2018Kathleen_Vail 19 Comments
Automedon with the Horses of Achilles, Henri Regnault, 1868

Stepping into a legendary scene unfolding in Homer’s Iliad, C. P. Cavafy sheds new light on the angst that drives the horses of Achilles to tears...Continue reading

Guest Post: Learning Ancient Greek Medicine from Homer by Rachel Hajar, MD

May 16, 2018May 15, 2018Kathleen_Vail 10 Comments
Chalkidian Black-figure Lidded Belly Amphora, ca. 540 BCE by the Inscriptions Painter, depicting battle scenes from the Trojan War.  Source: National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne, Australia via Wikimedia Commons [CC0]

Exploring the gory battle wounds and graphic medical treatments narrated in Homer's Iliad and Odyssey, Dr. Rachel Hajar offers interesting insights into ancient Greek medicine. ...Continue reading

Thetis Delivered Achilles’ Shield to…Lord Nelson at Trafalgar?

May 1, 2018April 30, 2018Kathleen_Vail 8 Comments
Thetis Delivering Achilles' Shield by William Theed, the Elder

With many uncanny parallels, Lord Nelson's prayer for divine intervention on the eve of the Battle of Trafalgar was answered in ways very similar to Achilles' prayer during the Trojan War. ...Continue reading

Reviewing Homer’s Iliad: The Shield of Memory by Dr. Ken Atchity

April 3, 2018April 3, 2018Kathleen_Vail 9 Comments
Painting of "Homer Among the Greeks" by Gustav Jäger. The following image is of a mural at the Weimar Castle in Germany, which was completed in 1808 by painter, Gustav Jäger entitled, "Homer Among the Greeks" Source: Hadrian6 via 300SpartanWarriors

In Homer's Iliad: The Shield of Memory, Dr. Kenneth Atchity follows Homer's footsteps through the Iliad like a lover intent on winning his heart and mind. What's more, Atchity invites us to a beautiful symposium, discussing his journey clearly and compellingly, enticing us with amazing glimpses into the ingenious mind and motives of Homer...Continue reading

Hephaestus Forging the Shield of Achilles in Art Through the Ages

February 16, 2018February 16, 2018Kathleen_Vail 6 Comments

Did the fabulous Shield of Achilles ever exist? Commanding a presence for something like 3,000 years so far, the existential reality of Achilles' armor in art throughout the ages leaves little wiggle room for those who discredit Homer's account of Achilles' Shield...Continue reading

Guest Post: Achilles’ Violent Shouting by Tom Hillman

January 19, 2018January 19, 2018Kathleen_Vail 2 Comments
Detail from The Fight of Achilles against Scamander and Simoeis by Auguste Couder, ca. 1819. Source: Wikimedia Commons

Spotlighting that dramatic moment when Achilles' terrifying cry of grief rends the Trojan sky, Tom Hillman erases the ages between ancient and modern heroes...Continue reading

The Life of Achilles by Peter Paul Rubens

October 18, 2017October 18, 2017Kathleen_Vail 9 Comments

Blossoming from the brush of Rubens, Achilles' life force has rooted itself ever more deeply into history, propagating itself onto sumptuous tapestries, prized possessions adorning European palaces and national museums...Continue reading

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  • #TroyExhibition: Tweet & Photo Party!
  • NEWSFLASH! UC Archaeologists Find Gold-Lined Tombs of Mycenaean Era in Pylos, Greece
  • The Mother of Big Fat Greek Weddings: Thetis & Peleus’ Wedding in Art Through the Ages
  • Vail’s Shield of Achilles Featured in Catholic Faith & Culture Video Course
  • Guest Post by Armand D’Angour: Was the Real Socrates More Worldly & Amorous Than We Knew?
  • Guest Post: Achilles’ Shield Portrays an Ancient Greek View of Reality, by James R. Harrington
  • Hercules: A Forefather of Hydraulic Engineering in Mycenaean Greece? Guest Post by Novo Scriptorium
  • Book Review: Gods and the Dust: Greek Mythology as a High Fantasy Epic by Joshua Rivoli
  • Book Review: The Falcon of Sparta by Conn Iggulden
  • My Book, Reconstructing the Shield of Achilles, is Now Published! 
  • Guest Post: Achilles’ Shield and Schiller’s Philosophy of Aesthetics, by Corry Shores
  • Guest Poem: “Upon Trojan Field, At Dawn” by Ismail Butera
  • Thetis Delivering Achilles’ Shield in Art Through the Ages
  • C.P. Cavafy: The Horses of Achilles – A New Translation by Kathleen Vail
  • Guest Post: Learning Ancient Greek Medicine from Homer by Rachel Hajar, MD

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Copyright © 2018 Kathleen Vail.
All images of Vail’s reconstruction of the Shield of Achilles are under copyright, with all rights reserved.

Please DO NOT PIN images of Vail’s reconstruction of the Shield of Achilles on PINTEREST, or other similar sites!

Without express written permission, any redistribution or reproduction of part or all of the contents of this website in any form is prohibited, EXCEPT for images clearly linked and captioned “Source: Wikimedia Commons.” Sharing Wikimedia Commons content must follow the associated Creative Commons License regarding correct attribution.

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Disclosure Notice: Throughout this website, the Amazon.com links to my book, Reconstructing the Shield of Achilles, are affiliate links.

Gallery of Images

Detail of an Attic Black-figure Hydria, ca. 575-550 BCE, depicting Thetis delivering the new armor to Achilles. Source: Wikimedia Commons
Detail of an Attic Black-figure Hydria, ca. 575-550 BCE, depicting Thetis delivering the new armor to Achilles.
Attic Black-Figure Hydria, ca. 510-500 BCE depicting women filling jugs at the public water fountain. Source: Wikimedia Commons
Attic Black-Figure Hydria, ca. 510-500 BCE depicting women filling jugs at the public water fountain.
Detail view of a Attic black-figure kylix, ca. 510 BCE, depicting satyrs and maenads gathering grapes into baskets. Source: Wikimedia Commons
Detail view of an Attic Black-Figure Kylix, ca. 510 BCE, depicting satyrs and maenads gathering grapes into baskets.
Detail of the ancient Greek Black-Figure "Sophilos Dinos" (wine-bowl), ca. 580-570 BCE depicting guests attending the wedding of Thetis and Peleus, future parents of Achilles. Athena and Artemis are seen riding in the chariot, followed by Thetis' grandfather, the fish-tailed sea-god Okeanos, his wife Tethys, and Eileithyia, goddess of childbirth. Hephaistos brings up the rear, seated side-saddle on a mule.
Detail of the ancient Greek Black-Figure “Sophilos Dinos” (wine-bowl), ca. 580-570 BCE depicting guests attending the wedding of Thetis and Peleus, future parents of Achilles. Athena and Artemis are seen riding in the chariot, followed by Thetis’ grandfather, the fish-tailed sea-god Okeanos, his wife Tethys, and Eileithyia, goddess of childbirth. Hephaistos brings up the rear, seated side-saddle on a mule.
Attic Black-Figure Kylix, ca. 560 BCE by the C Painter depicting nereids dancing in a line. Source: Wikimedia Commons
Attic Black-Figure Kylix, ca. 560 BCE by the C Painter depicting nereids dancing in a line.
Attic Black-figure Amphora ca. 500-480 BCE. source: Wikimedia commons
Attic Black-figure Amphora ca. 500-480 BCE. source: Wikimedia commons
Attic red-figured amphora depicting Odysseus trying to hide his nakedness while seeking help from Princess Nausicaa of Skheria. Source: Wikimedia Commons
Detail view of an Attic Red-Figure Amphora ca. 440 BCE depicting Athena facilitating the meeting between Odysseus and King Alkinoos’ daughter Nausicaa after Odysseus washes up naked onto the island of Skheria. Receiving aid from Athena, Odysseus has gathered a few branches in a pitiful attempt to hide his nakedness from the women.
Minoan-era Terracotta Pithos, ca. 1800-1700 BCE depicting ocean wave patterns and fish caught in a net. Source: Wikimedia Commons
Minoan-era Terracotta Pithos, ca. 1800-1700 BCE depicting ocean wave patterns and fish caught in a net.
Detail from an Attic Black-Figure Stamnos ca. 500 BCE, depicting revelers dancing behind a man playing a lyre. Source: Wikimedia Commons
Detail from an Attic Black-Figure Stamnos ca. 500 BCE, depicting revelers dancing behind a man playing a lyre.
Detail from the Amphiaraos Krater ca. 570 BCE depicting women beside a columned porch waving goodbye to Amphiaraos. Source: Wikimedia Commons
Detail from the Amphiaraos Krater ca. 570 BCE depicting women beside a columned porch waving goodbye to Amphiaraos.
Attic black-figured volute-krater, ca. 540–510 BCE, signed by the Nikosthenes Potter, depicting Zeus separating Athena and Ares while Kyknos on the far right is fleeing from Herakles (not visible in this view). Source: Wikimedia Commons
Attic black-figured volute-krater, ca. 540–510 BCE, signed by the Nikosthenes Potter, depicting Zeus separating Athena and Ares while Kyknos on the far right is fleeing from Herakles approaching on his chariot (not visible in this view).
Attic Red-Figure Skyphos, ca. 470 - 460 BCE depicting two young men performing acrobatic stunts at a symposium. Source: Wikimedia Commons
Attic Red-Figure Skyphos, ca. 470 – 460 BCE depicting two young men performing acrobatic stunts at a symposium.
Attic Black-figure Amphora ca. 585 BCE by unidentified painter depicting two warriors in battle, possibly Achilles and Hektor, with the mother of each, Thetis and Hecuba in this case, to left and right of the warriors.
Attic Black-figure Amphora ca. 585 BCE by unidentified painter depicting two warriors in battle, possibly Achilles and Hektor, with the mother of each, Thetis and Hecuba in this case, to left and right of the warriors.
Detail of Side B from an Attic black-figure amphora, ca. 530 BCE painted in the manner of the Lysippides Painter depicting a young warrior arming with the assistance of a woman. Source: Wikimedia Commons
Detail of Side B from an Attic black-figure amphora, ca. 530 BCE painted in the manner of the Lysippides Painter depicting a young warrior arming with the assistance of a woman.
Attic black-figure white-ground lekythos, ca. 480 BCE by the Athena Painter depicting Achilles hiding in order to ambush Polyxena as she comes to the public water fountain. Source: Wikimedia Commons
Attic black-figure white-ground lekythos, ca. 480 BCE by the Athena Painter depicting Achilles hiding in order to ambush Polyxena as she comes to the public water fountain.
Attic White-ground Lekythos ca. 490 BCE by the Diosphos Painter depicting Achilles dragging Hektor's body behind his chariot. Notice also the winged 'spirit' of Patroklos flying alongside Achilles.
Attic White-ground Lekythos ca. 490 BCE by the Diosphos Painter depicting Achilles dragging Hektor’s body behind his chariot. Notice also the winged ‘spirit’ of Patroklos flying alongside Achilles.
Detail from the "Chigi Vase," a ProtoCorinthian Olpe ca. 650-640 BC by the Chigi Painter depicting a youth playing an aulos. Source: Wikimedia Commons
Detail from the “Chigi Vase,” a ProtoCorinthian Olpe ca. 650-640 BC by the Chigi Painter depicting a youth playing an aulos.
Attic Black-figure Amphora by the Antimenes Painter, ca. 510 BCE. Source: Wikimedia Commons
Attic Black-figure Amphora by the Antimenes Painter, ca. 510 BCE. Source: Wikimedia Commons
Nikosthenic Black-Figure Amphora, ca. 530 BCE depicting a king and elder statesmen. Source: Wikimedia Commons
Nikosthenic Black-Figure Amphora, ca. 530 BCE depicting a king and his ambassadors.
Proto-Attic Amphora depicting Odysseus and his men blinding the Cyclops. Source: Wikimedia Commons
Neck of a Proto-Attic Funerary Amphora ca. 650 BCE by the Polyphemus Painter depicting Odysseus and his men blinding Polyphemos the Cyclops.
Achilles' Shield Interactive Home Page Menu
Achilles’ Shield Interactive Home Page Menu
Attic Red-figure Kylix by the Colmar Painter, ca. 510 BCE. Source: Wikimedia Commons
Attic Red-figure Kylix by the Colmar Painter, ca. 510 BCE. Source: Wikimedia Commons
Detail of Attic Black-Figure Column Krater, ca. 525 BCE depicting a lion attacking a bull. Source: Wikimedia Commons
Detail of Attic Black-Figure Column Krater, ca. 525 BCE depicting a lion attacking a bull.
Ancient Greek Black-Figure Dinos signed by Sophilos, ca. 6th century BCE, depicting viewers in platform-style seating watching horse races during the funeral games of Patroklos. Source: Wikimedia Commons
Ancient Greek Black-Figure Dinos signed by Sophilos, ca. 6th century BCE, depicting viewers in platform-style seating watching horse races during the funeral games of Patroklos
Attic red-figure cup by the Brygos Potter and the Brygos Painter, ca. 490 BCE, depicting Briseis, Achilles' beloved war captive, serving Phoenix, Achilles' lifelong mentor. Source: Wikimedia Commons
Attic red-figure cup by the Brygos Potter and the Brygos Painter, ca. 490 BCE, depicting Briseis, Achilles’ beloved war captive, serving Phoenix, Achilles’ lifelong mentor.
Attic Black-Figure Band Cup, ca. 560-550 BCE depicting a plowman behind a team of cattle. Source: Wikimedia Commons
Attic Black-Figure Band Cup, ca. 560-550 BCE depicting a plowman behind a team of cattle.
mourning_of_akhilleus_louvre_e643-detail-1200x500
Attic Red-Figure Kylix (interior) ca. 480 BCE by the Briseis Painter depicting King Priam entering Achilles' hut to ransom his dead son Hektor's body.
Attic Red-Figure Kylix (interior) ca. 480 BCE by the Briseis Painter depicting King Priam entering Achilles’ hut to ransom his dead son Hektor’s body.
Reconstruction of the Shield of Achilles by Kathleen Vail © All Rights Reserved
Reconstruction of the Shield of Achilles by Kathleen Vail © All Rights Reserved
Attic red-figured amphora depicting Odysseus trying to hide his nakedness while seeking help from Princess Nausicaa of Skheria. Source: Wikimedia Commons
Attic Red-Figure Amphora ca. 440 BCE depicting Athena facilitating the meeting between Odysseus and King Alkinoos’ daughter Nausicaa after Odysseus washes up naked onto the island of Skheria. Receiving aid from Athena, Odysseus has gathered a few branches in a pitiful attempt to hide his nakedness from the women.
Attic Black-Figure Exaleiptron (tripod), ca. 570–560 BCE by the C Painter depicting the moment when Athena springs fully grown from the head of Zeus. Source: Wikimedia Commons
Attic Black-Figure Exaleiptron (tripod), ca. 570–560 BCE by the C Painter depicting the moment when Athena springs fully grown from the head of Zeus. Hephaistos, on the left, is identifiable by his double-edged axe. On the right, Poseidon is identifiable by his trident.
Attic Black-figure Amphora ca. 490-480 BCE by the Kleophrades Painter depicting the 4-horse chariot racing competition. Typically filled with olive oil, this type of trophy was awarded to chariot race winners at the Panathenaic Games in Athens. Source: Wikimedia Commons
Attic Black-figure Amphora ca. 490-480 BCE by the Kleophrades Painter depicting the 4-horse chariot racing competition. Typically filled with olive oil, this type of trophy was awarded to chariot race winners at the Panathenaic Games in Athens.
the epic death of achilles
Vail’s colorized rendition of a B&W drawing of a lost Chalcidian Black-Figure Amphora from 540-530 BCE by the Inscriptions Painter depicting the epic death of Achilles. Note the arrow in Achilles’ ankle. Above Achilles stands Aias fighting off Paris with his bow still drawn.
Image of Achilles' shield from The Iliad (translated by Pope), pg 171 of Vol. 5, published in 1720. Source: British Library via Wikimedia commons
Image of Achilles’ shield from The Iliad (translated by Pope), pg 171 of Vol. 5, published in 1720.
Attic Black-figure amphora ca. 570 BCE Depicting enemy warriors engaging in battle. Source: Wikimedia Commons
Attic Black-figure amphora ca. 570 BCE Depicting enemy warriors engaging in battle.
Attic Black-Figure Hydria ca. 500 BCE attributed to the Leagros Group depicting Aias carrying the body of Achilles out of battle. Source: Wikimedia Commons
Attic Black-Figure Hydria ca. 500 BCE attributed to the Leagros Group depicting Aias (Ajax) carrying the body of Achilles out of battle.
White-Ground Lekythos depicting Odysseus' men turned into pigs by Circe. Source: Wikimedia Commons
White-Ground Lekythos ca. 490-480 BCE by the Athena Painter depicting Odysseus’ men turned into pigs by Circe.
Late Bronze Age Mycenaean Bronze dagger, bronze with inlaid silver and gold depicting warriors hunting lions, ca. 16th century BCE. Source: Wikimedia Commons
Late Bronze Age Mycenaean Bronze dagger, bronze with inlaid silver and gold depicting warriors hunting lions, ca. 16th century BCE.
The US Supreme Court in Washington DC features a scene from the shield of Achilles on its massive front door. © Kathleen Vail, all rights reserved.
The US Supreme Court in Washington, DC features a scene from the shield of Achilles on its massive front door. © Kathleen Vail, all rights reserved.
Detail of Attic Black-Figure Amphora ca. 530 and 520 BCE depicting a warrior mounting his chariot to depart for war. Source: Wikimedia Commons
Detail of Attic Black-Figure Amphora ca. 530 and 520 BCE depicting a warrior mounting his chariot to depart for war.
Corinthian Black-Figure Hydria depicting Thetis and the Nereids Mourning Achilles' Death. (c) RMN. Now in The Louvre
Corinthian Black-Figure Hydria depicting Thetis and the Nereids Mourning Achilles’ Death. (c) RMN. Now in The Louvre
Known as the 'Mask of Agamemnon,' this exquisite funerary mask is made of gold, ca. 16th century BCE. It was found in 1876 by Heinrich Schliemann in Tomb V at Mycenae, Greece. Currently on display in the National Archaeological Museum, Athens, Greece. Source: Wikimedia Commons
Known as the “Mask of Agamemnon,” this exquisite funerary mask is made of gold, ca. 16th century BCE. It was found in 1876 by Heinrich Schliemann in Tomb V at Mycenae, Greece. Currently on display in the National Archaeological Museum, Athens, Greece.
Attic black-figure amphora, ca. 550 BC. by the Amasis Painter depicting the Recovery of Helen by Menelaus.
Attic Black-Figure Amphora, ca. 550 BC. by the Amasis Painter depicting the Recovery of Helen by Menelaus.
Mycenaean Rhyton in the shape of a bull's head, ca. 16th century BCE crafted of bronze, inlaid with semi-precious stones, and gilded. Source: Wikimedia Commons
Mycenaean Rhyton in the shape of a bull’s head, ca. 16th century BCE crafted of bronze, inlaid with semi-precious stones, and gilded.
Detail from the Amphiaraos Krater ca. 570 BCE depicting horses and a woman beside a columned portico. Source: Wikimedia Commons
Detail from the Amphiaraos Krater ca. 570 BCE depicting horses and a woman beside a columned portico.
Getty open image attributed to the Inscription Painter; Chalcidian Black-figure neck amphora; Greek Chalcidian, ca. 540 BCE
Getty open image attributed to the Inscription Painter; Chalcidian Black-figure neck amphora; Greek Chalcidian, ca. 540 BCE
Geometric Terracotta “Hirschfeld” Krater, ca. 750-735 BCE, Depicting a Funeral and Funeral Games. Source: Wikimedia commons
Geometric Terracotta “Hirschfeld” Krater, ca. 750-735 BCE, Depicting a Funeral and Funeral Games.
A watercolor rendering of drawing of the "Queen's Megaron" by Emile Gilliéron the younger, ca. 1922-1926, based on Sir Arthur Evans papers relating to his excavations at Knossos in Crete. Source: Wikimedia Commons
A watercolor rendering of drawing of the “Queen’s Megaron” by Emile Gilliéron the younger, ca. 1922-1926, based on Sir Arthur Evans papers relating to his excavations at Knossos in Crete.
Detail from the ancient Greek Black-Figure "Sophilos Dinos" (wine-bowl), ca. 580-570 BCE depicting the arrival of guests to the wedding of Thetis and Peleus, the future parents of Achilles. The first chariot in the procession is carrying Zeus and Hera, and the second is carrying Poseidon and Amphitrite. Source: Wikimedia Commons
Detail from the ancient Greek Black-Figure “Sophilos Dinos” (wine-bowl), ca. 580-570 BCE depicting the arrival of guests to the wedding of Thetis and Peleus, the future parents of Achilles. The first chariot in the procession is carrying Zeus and Hera, and the second is carrying Poseidon and Amphitrite.
Minoan-era Carved Stone Rhyton, ca. 1500-1450 BCE depicting a grain harvest festival. Source: Wikimedia Commons
Minoan-era Carved Stone Rhyton, ca. 1500-1450 BCE depicting a grain harvest festival.
Greek Black-Figure amphora, ca. 540–530 BCE depicting Hermes and Io (in the form of a cow). Source: Wikimedia Commons
Greek Black-Figure amphora, ca. 540–530 BCE depicting Hermes and Io (in the form of a cow).
Attic red-figure pelike, ca. 470 BCE depicting a shepherd riding on the back of a ram while playing the aulos, or double flute. Source: Wikimedia Commons
Attic red-figure pelike, ca. 470 BCE depicting a shepherd riding on the back of a ram while playing the aulos, or double flute.
Marble bust of Homer, ca. 2nd - 1st c. BCE Roman copy from a now-lost Greek original. Source: Wikimedia Commons
Marble bust of Homer, ca. 2nd – 1st century BCE Roman copy from a now-lost Greek original.
Attic Black-Figure Oinochoe by the Taleides Painter ca. 520 BCE, depicting Odysseus and Aias (Ajax) quarreling over Achilles' armor. Source: Wikimedia Commons
Attic Black-Figure Oinochoe by the Taleides Painter ca. 520 BCE, depicting Odysseus and Aias (Ajax) quarreling over Achilles’ armor.
Nereus (The Old Man of the Sea), and Heracles depicted at the top of a black-figured lekythos, c 590-580 BCE by Istanbul Painter, now in the Louvre
Nereus (The Old Man of the Sea), and Heracles depicted at the top of a black-figured lekythos, ca. 590-580 BCE by Istanbul Painter, now in the Louvre.
black figure attic calyx krater
Attic Black-Figure calyx krater depicting Greek warriors battling over a corpse, probably that of Patroklos. Painted in the manner of Exekias, ca. 530 BCE.
Corinthian Painted Wooden Plate, ca. 540-530 BCE depicting a procession to an altar to sacrifice a lamb, accompanied by flute and lyre. The names of the Three Graces are inscribed on the placque. Source: Wikimedia Commons
Corinthian Painted Wooden Plate, ca. 540-530 BCE depicting a procession to an altar to sacrifice a lamb, accompanied by flute and lyre. The names of the Three Graces are inscribed on the plaque, which was found in a cave above the village of Pitsa, in Corinth, Greece.
Tondo of an Attic Red-Figure Kylix, ca. 500 BCE, depicting Achilles tending Patroklos' arm, wounded by an arrow. Source: Wikimedia Commons
Tondo of an Attic Red-Figure Kylix, ca. 500 BCE, depicting Achilles tending Patroklos’ arm, wounded by an arrow.
Detail from an Attic Red-Figure Stamnos, ca. 480-470 BCE depicting Odysseus and the Sirens. Source: Wikimedia Commons
Detail from an Attic Red-Figure Stamnos, ca. 480-470 BCE depicting Odysseus and the Sirens
Attic red-figure Kylix ca. 490-480 BCE by the Foundry Painter depicting Hephaistos giving Achilles' new armor to Thetis.
Attic red-figure Kylix ca. 490-480 BCE by the Foundry Painter depicting Hephaistos giving Achilles’ new armor to Thetis.
Ancient Greek Red-Figure Pelike ca. 470 BCE depicting Thetis consoling Achilles over the death of Patroklos. To the side can be seen Thetis’ sister Nereids waiting to present Achilles with his new armor.
Ancient Greek Red-Figure Pelike ca. 470 BCE depicting Thetis consoling Achilles over the death of Patroklos. To the side can be seen Thetis’ sister Nereids waiting to present Achilles with his new armor.
Attic Red-Figure Kantharos, c 450-400 BCE by the Eretria Painter depicting Achilles and the Nereid Kymothea.
Attic Red-Figure Kantharos, c 450-400 BCE by the Eretria Painter depicting Achilles and the Nereid Kymothea.
Apulian Red-Figured Volute-Krater ca. 410–400 BCE by the Sisyphus Painter depicting the arrival of a young warrior or hero. Source: Wikimedia Commons
Apulian Red-Figured Volute-Krater ca. 410–400 BCE by the Sisyphus Painter depicting the arrival of a young warrior or hero. Alternatively, it could be a departure. It is considered to be possibly Theseus arriving at Athens and being recognized because of his sword by Aegeus. I would also submit its likelihood as either the arrival of Telemachus or Paris to the home of Menelaus and Helen. If you enlarge the image and note the eye contact between the beautiful woman and the handsome young man, you’ll likely agree that it’s Paris before he kidnaps Helen to Troy!
Attic Black-figure Amphora ca. 530 BCE, Depicting horses trampling a warrior in battle. Source: Wikimedia Commons
Attic Black-figure Amphora ca. 530 BCE, Depicting horses trampling a warrior in battle. Source: Wikimedia Commons
Illustration by Dugald Sutherland MacColl (British draftsman, 1859-1948) of a tondo from an Attic Black-Figure Kylix (ca. 550 BCE) discovered at Corneto. Published in Harrison, Jane Ellen and D.S. MacColl's "Greek vase paintings; a selection of examples, with preface, introduction and descriptions." London: T.F. Unwin, 1894. The image depicts maidens holding hands and dancing in a circle. In the center is depicted Herakles wrestling with Nereus, the Old Man of the Sea. Source: Wikimedia Commons
Illustration by Dugald Sutherland MacColl (British draftsman, 1859-1948) of a tondo from an Attic Black-Figure Kylix (ca. 550 BCE) discovered at Corneto. Published in Harrison, Jane Ellen and D.S. MacColl’s “Greek vase paintings; a selection of examples, with preface, introduction and descriptions.” London: T.F. Unwin, 1894. The image depicts maidens holding hands and dancing in a circle. In the center is depicted Herakles wrestling with Nereus, the Old Man of the Sea.
Epicenter: CREATION. From the Shield of Achilles by Kathleen Vail © All Rights Reserved

Epicenter: CREATION. From the Shield of Achilles by Kathleen Vail © All Rights Reserved

Dueling warriors depicted on an Attic Black-figure Neck Amphora, ca. 550 BCE. source: Wikimedia commons
Dueling warriors depicted on an Attic Black-figure Neck Amphora, ca. 550 BCE. source: Wikimedia commons
Clay tablet inscribed with Linear B script, from the Mycenaean palace of Nestor at Pylos, ca. 1450 BCE. Source: Wikimedia Commons
Clay tablet inscribed with Linear B script, from the Mycenaean palace of Nestor at Pylos, ca. 1450 BCE
Detail of the Mykonos Pith Amphora, ca. mid 7th century BCE, showing what is thought to be the earliest depiction of the Trojan Horse. Source: Wikimedia Commons
Detail of the Mykonos Pith Amphora, ca. mid 7th century BCE, showing what is thought to be the earliest depiction of the Trojan Horse.
kleiner, in korinthischem Stil gemalter Aryballos aus rotgelbem Thon (small Corinthian black-figure Aryballos from c. BCE) from jahrbuchdeskaiserlich page 431 Kaiserlich Deutsches Archäologisches Institut, 1887
Vail’s digitally edited version of an 1887 B&W drawing of an early black-figure painting of the Trojan War on a small Corinthian black-figure Aryballos. From Jahrbuchdeskaiserlich, page 431.
Attic red-figured kylix ca. 490 BCE by the Douris Painter, depicting the struggle of Peleus to subjugate the sea nymph Thetis prior to their marriage.
Attic red-figured kylix ca. 490 BCE by the Douris Painter, depicting the struggle of Peleus to subjugate the sea nymph Thetis prior to their marriage.
Corinthian Column-Krater, ca. 600 BCE depicting men butchering a sheep. Source: Wikimedia Commons
Corinthian Column-Krater, known as the “Eurytios Krater” ca. 600 BCE depicting men preparing the hind legs of a sheep in preparation of a feast.
Attic Black-Figure Neck Amphora by Swing Painter c. 540-530 BCE depicting the legendary Judgement of Paris
Attic Black-Figure Neck Amphora by Swing Painter c. 540-530 BCE depicting the legendary “Judgement of Paris.”
Attic Black-Figure Neck Amphora, ca. 510 BCE, depicting a man playing a lyre for women. Source: Wikimedia Commons
Attic Black-Figure Neck Amphora, ca. 510 BCE, depicting a man playing a lyre for women.
Attic Black-Figure Olpe, ca. 540 BCE signed by the Amasis potter and attributed to Amasis painter. Depicting the entry of Herakles to Olympos, this view shows (from left to right) Poseidon, Hermes, Athena, and Herakles. The inscription reads (translated) "Amasis made me." Source: Wikimedia Commons
Attic Black-Figure Olpe, ca. 540 BCE signed by the Amasis potter and attributed to the Amasis painter. Depicting the entry of Herakles to Olympos, this view shows (from left to right) Poseidon, Hermes, Athena, and Herakles. The inscription reads (translated) “Amasis made me.”
Attic Black-Figure Amphora ca. 510 BCE, depicting Aias carrying the mortally wounded Achilles out of the battlefield.
Attic Black-Figure Amphora ca. 510 BCE, depicting Aias carrying the mortally wounded Achilles out of the battlefield.
Apulian Red-Figure Volute-Crater, ca. 360-350 BCE by the Painter of Athens depicting Chryses attempting to ransom his daughter Chryseis from Agamemnon.
Chryses attempting to ransom his daughter Chryseis from Agamemnon. Side A of an Apulian red-figure volute-crater, ca. 360 BC–350 BC,by the Painter of Athens 1714. Found in Taranto, now in the Louvre.
Early Cycladic II era clay "frying-pan" ca. 2700-2500 BCE depicting the sun surrounded by ocean waves and fish. Source: Wikimedia Commons
Early Cycladic II era clay “frying-pan” ca. 2700-2500 BCE depicting the sun surrounded by ocean waves and fish.
Lucanian Red-Figure Calyx-Krater, ca. 380 BCE depicting Odysseus consulting Tiresias in Hades. Source: Wikimedia Commons
Lucanian Red-Figure Calyx-Krater, ca. 380 BCE by the Dolon Painter depicting Odysseus consulting Tiresias in Hades.
Mycenaean rhyton in the shape of a bull's head, ca. 1300–1200 BCE. Note the very straight horns, as described by Homer in Book 18, lines 573-588. Source: Wikimedia Commons
Mycenaean rhyton in the shape of a bull’s head, ca. 1300–1200 BCE. Note the very straight horns, as described by Homer in Book 18, lines 573-588.
Detail View of an Apulian red-figure Volute Krater, ca. 320 BCE, attributed to the White Saccos Painter, depicting Hades and Persephone enthroned in the palace of the Underworld. Source: Wikimedia Commons
Detail View of an Apulian red-figure Volute Krater, ca. 320 BCE, attributed to the White Saccos Painter, depicting Hades and Persephone enthroned in the palace of the Underworld
Chalkidian Black-Figure Neck Amphora ca. 540 BCE depicting Odysseus slaying Diomedes by the Inscription Painter (Chalcidian). Source: Wikimedia Commons
Chalcidian Black-Figure Neck Amphora ca. 540 BCE by the Inscription Painter (Chalcidian) depicting Odysseus slaying Diomedes. Also, please note the tree in the background as an interesting artistic motif.
Attic Black-Figure Amphora ca. 530 BCE attributed to the painter Exekias, depicting the suicide of Telamonian Aias (Ajax) after Odysseus wins Achilles' glorious armor in a competition with Aias. Source: Wikimedia Commons
Attic Black-Figure Amphora ca. 530 BCE attributed to the painter Exekias, depicting the suicide of Telamonian Aias (Ajax) after Odysseus wins Achilles’ glorious armor in a competition with Aias.
Attic Black-Figure Column Krater depicting Odysseus escaping underneath a ram. Source: Wikimedia Commons
Attic Black-Figure Column Krater, ca. second half of 6th century BCE depicting Odysseus escaping Polyphemos the Cyclops by tying himself to the belly of a ram.
Detail View of Lucanian Red-Figure Bell-Krater, ca. 5th century BCE depicting the battle of Achilles and Penthesileia. Source: Wikimedia Commons
Detail View of Achilles on a Lucanian Red-Figure Bell-Krater, ca. 5th century BCE depicting the battle of Achilles and Penthesileia.
The Lion Gate at Mycenae, Greece - portal to the Ancient Greek royal seat of Agamemnon, leader of the Greek forces in the Trojan War made famous in Homer's Iliad and Odyssey. Source: Wikimedia Commons
The Lion Gate at Mycenae, Greece – portal to the Ancient Greek royal seat of Agamemnon, leader of the Greek forces in the Trojan War made famous in Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey.
Apulian Red-Figure Amphora ca. 430-410 BCE depicting Achilles and Briseis. Source: Wikimedia Commons
Apulian Red-Figure Amphora by the Painter of the Berlin Dancing Girl ca. 430-410 BCE depicting Achilles and Briseis.
Black-Figure terracotta vessel (date and artist unknown) depicting an ancient greek ship similar to the type described by Homer in the Iliad and the Odyssey. Source: Wikimedia Commons
Black-Figure terracotta vessel (date and artist unknown) depicting an ancient greek ship similar to the type described by Homer in the Iliad and the Odyssey. At the bow of the ship, note the prominently displayed ‘apotropaic ophthalmos’ or eye, and the ‘long-beaked’ ramming nose painted as a wild boar.

Table of Contents

  • Home Page
  • Foreword and Endorsements from the Field of Classical Studies
  • A Pre-War Prologue
    • The Timeless Roots of The Trojan War
    • A Mother’s Sad Request For Her Son
  • The Appearance of Achilles’ Shield
    • I. Epicenter: CREATION
    • II. Inner Ring: CIVIL LIFE
    • III. Middle Ring: WARTIME
    • IV. Outer Ring: PEACETIME
    • V. Outer Rim: MIGHTY OCEAN CURRENT
  • The Death of Achilles and Disappearance of His Shield
    • The Epic Death of Achilles
    • The Divine Shield of Achilles Disappears
    • Beyond Homer: Other Legends of Achilles’ Shield
  • The Significance of Achilles’ Shield
    • Finding Physical Significance in a Literal Shield
    • Regarding the Metaphorical Motifs on Achilles’ Shield
    • Appreciating the Spiritual Allegories on Achilles’ Shield
  • Shield Characters and References
    • Glossary of Characters
    • Scene References
    • Bibliography
  • Achilles’ Blog Posts
    • #TroyExhibition: Tweet & Photo Party!
    • NEWSFLASH! UC Archaeologists Find Gold-Lined Tombs of Mycenaean Era in Pylos, Greece
    • The Mother of Big Fat Greek Weddings: Thetis & Peleus’ Wedding in Art Through the Ages
    • Vail’s Shield of Achilles Featured in Catholic Faith & Culture Video Course
    • Guest Post by Armand D’Angour: Was the Real Socrates More Worldly & Amorous Than We Knew?
    • Guest Post: Achilles’ Shield Portrays an Ancient Greek View of Reality, by James R. Harrington
    • Hercules: A Forefather of Hydraulic Engineering in Mycenaean Greece? Guest Post by Novo Scriptorium
    • Book Review: Gods and the Dust: Greek Mythology as a High Fantasy Epic by Joshua Rivoli
    • Book Review: The Falcon of Sparta by Conn Iggulden
    • My Book, Reconstructing the Shield of Achilles, is Now Published! 
    • Guest Post: Achilles’ Shield and Schiller’s Philosophy of Aesthetics, by Corry Shores
    • Guest Poem: “Upon Trojan Field, At Dawn” by Ismail Butera
    • Thetis Delivering Achilles’ Shield in Art Through the Ages
    • C.P. Cavafy: The Horses of Achilles – A New Translation by Kathleen Vail
    • Guest Post: Learning Ancient Greek Medicine from Homer by Rachel Hajar, MD
    • Thetis Delivered Achilles’ Shield to…Lord Nelson at Trafalgar?
    • Reviewing Homer’s Iliad: The Shield of Memory by Dr. Ken Atchity
    • Hephaestus Forging the Shield of Achilles in Art Through the Ages
    • Guest Post: Achilles’ Violent Shouting by Tom Hillman
    • The Life of Achilles by Peter Paul Rubens
    • Reading Helen in Egypt – in Egypt
    • Guest Poem: “Sandals on the Ground” by John Flanagan
    • A Mycenaean Ship Maneuver Depicted on a Minoan Shipwreck Fresco
    • Pelias, Neleus, Pylos & Nestor: Guest Post by Luciana Cavallaro
    • NEWSFLASH! Vail’s SHIELD OF ACHILLES Featured on Cover of New Oxford University Press Textbook!
    • Guest Post: “Hephaestus” by Aquileana
    • Guest Post: Analyzing Military Tactics in the Iliad by Manousos Kambouris for KORYVANTES
    • Guest Post: Heroes of Troy and Mycenae – Illustrated – by Barry C. Jacobsen
    • Guest Post: Construction of the Mycenaean Chariot by Rita Roberts
    • Guest Post: A Mycenaean Chariot in the Knossos Armory by Richard Vallance
    • A Bronze Chariot To Die For, ca. 560 BCE
    • Dear Ajax, Telamon WAS A Tough Act To Follow
    • Tragedy, Katharsis, & The Theater of War
    • Guest Post: Achilles’ Kleos In Logue’s War Music by Melissa Beck
    • It All Comes Together When His Head Bursts Into Flames
  • About the Author and the Artist

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Achilles Achilles Achilles' Shield Adriana Emiliozzi Ajax Allegory of Good and Bad Government Amalia Pedemonte Ambrogio Lorenzetti ancient Greece ancient Greek warfare Aquileana Argonautica Aristotle armory Art History Barry C. Jacobsen Book Reviews Bryan Doerries C. P. Cavafy Carolina López-Ruiz catharsis Chariots Christopher Logue Classics Diodorus Siculus Dr. Manousos Kambouris Etruscan Fine Art Giuseppe Rava glory gods Greek Mythology Gregory Nagy Hephaestus Hephaistos Heracles Heroes Holly Rene Hunter Homer Iliad Italy Jason and the Argonauts kleos Knossos KORYVANTES Linear B Luciana Cavallaro Metropolitan Museum of Art monsters Monteleone Mycenae Mycenaeans mythology Near Eastern mythology Neleus Nestor Oxford University Press Peter Connolly philosophy Poetry Pylos Richard Vallance Janke Rita Roberts Socrates Sophocles Telamon Theater of War The Deadliest Blogger Thetis Tragedy translations Trojan War Trojan War Art Troy War Music
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