Introduction

It is certain archaic vases—as much as the Homeric texts—that invite ‘parallel’ consideration of Menelaus in the art and poetry of the age. We begin with the exceptional vase known as the ‘Euphorbos plate’ mentioned in the Preface (p. vi; Fig. 4.10) which was painted on Kos, found on Rhodes, and destined for heirloom status. We see depicted there a duel scene involving three figures, each identified by painted name-label. ‘Menelaus’ engages ‘Hector’ in a duel over a fallen warrior, ‘Euphorbus’. And in fact, in the seventeenth book of the ...