On the left, four empty chariots, next to them four boys with sacks (possibly filled with hay) and whips (?). In the center, four youthful charioteers with victory symbols (wreaths and palm branches); the rightmost driver is holding a horse. To the right, three more young male attendants are bringing horses, each holding a 'kentron' in their right hand. The number four for the drivers remains puzzling. Do they represent four 'factiones'? But only one could have won.
Note
The described scene on the sarcophagus lid likely portrays a chariot racing theme, a motif that held great popularity in Roman art. This choice of imagery reflects the important cultural significance of chariot racing in Roman society, often used to symbolize the journey of life or the pursuit of glory even in death.
In ancient Rome, chariot racing teams were known as factiones. These were typically represented by four colors: Red (Russata), White (Albata), Green (Prasina) and Blue (Veneta). Based on the analysis of other sarcophagi of this type, it is likely that the colors of the four factions would originally have been painted onto the sarcophagus. We should assume that was the case here as well.
The representation of four drivers on this lid might be a reference to these four factiones, representing the complete spectrum of Roman chariot racing. More intriguing is the aspect of having four drivers with victory symbols. Rather than portraying a specific race outcome, this imagery likely serves a more symbolic purpose, aligning with the funerary context of the sarcophagus. It may represent the hope for victory in the afterlife or celebrate the deceased's life accomplishments. More than 100 sarcophagi of this type are known, either completely preserved or in fragmentary condition. Within this corpus, this sarcophagus lid is completely unique.
