The Suicide of Ajax Flashcards
What is this made of and when was it created?
Attic Black Figure, by Exekias 540 BCE (during Archaic Period).
What does the source show?
The scene depicts Ajax preparing for his suicide. He appears in the middle, bent over his sword which he is placing on the ground. There’s a tree to one side of him and his suit of armor on the other side.
Who was Ajax?
He was considered to be the second best hero at Troy, after his cousin Achilles. Once Achilles has died, him and Odysseus debate over who should receive his armor.
Odysseus is given the armor, also given the opportunity to lead the army. In humiliation, Ajax commits suicide.
What’s different with this source and the other sources that are based off Ajax’s suicide?
This source shows the actions leading up to the suicide rather than the actual act.
