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Article: Solving the Roman riddle. (includes related material)
- Article from:
- The Saturday Evening Post
- Article date:
- September 1, 1992
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 1992 Saturday Evening Post Society. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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The meaning of the frieze on the ancient Portland vase has eluded scholars for centuries--now an American graduate student may have unlocked its secret.
Among the many relics that have stubbornly refused deciphering at London's British Museum, none has caused more head scratching by scholars than a cobalt blue urn known as the Portland vase, so named for the Dowager Dutchess of Portland, its early owner. Discovered in the late 16th century and considered one of the finest Roman glass vessels to have survived from ancient times, the vase has fascinated experts who have for four centuries disputed the seven figures portrayed on its sides. Of the nearly 50 ...