The large size of a sarcophagus — as compared to a cremation urn — gave Roman sculptors scope for decoration. Interestingly the most common subjects for this decoration were not scenes from the life of the deceased, or Roman history, but episodes from Greek legends.

Battles with Amazons were a favourite, as were Dionysiac scenes; another legend commonly depicted shows Orestes after the murder of Aigisthos and Clytemnestra.

To the left the clean-shaven Orestes holding his sword has just killed the bearded Aigisthos, who has slumped dead from his throne, but fears his own fate. An old nurse turns away horrified