Rare ancient artwork and pictures

[Nathan Ross]

And final liont hunt...it seems it was very popular theme especially during 3rd century

It seems so! Here's another one, from the Louvre. They seem to be rather formulaic. I wonder actually whether the lions may be significant - perhaps they represent the resurgent Sassanian empire, and Rome's desire to assert itself eastwards against the new threat?

Alternatively, it could just be the latest fashion in elite entertainment - earlier Romans went hunting (Pliny describes a boar hunt, which he attempted to avoid), but the chasse seems to have really caught on the third century. I wonder why?

Also, Pavel - could you identify the sarcophagus with the reclining couple on top? I've seen pictures of it elsewhere, but don't recall where it is or what it tends to be called...