Black-Gloss Mesomphalic Phiale (Libation Bowl): Apotheosis of Herakles
Four four-horse chariots proceed around the interior of this libation bowl, each driven by a winged Nike (Victory) and accompanied by a flying Eros. Each carries a different figure—Athena, Herakles, Ares, and Dionysos—and small animals race along before the horses. The appearance of Herakles with these Olympians suggests his apotheosis.
Images courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art (CC0)