Tomb of the Bulls

[4] It is the earliest example of a tomb with complex frescoes in the necropolis,[5] and the stylistic elements are derived from Ionian Greek culture.

[5] Frescoes with brightly colored animals adorn the gabled areas at the top of the front and back walls of the chambers.

In the right scene two men have sexual intercourse, which angers a bearded, man-headed bull with a phallus.

On the left, Achilles is shown armed with a sword and spear and wearing a helmet, greaves and a loincloth.

The tomb has also served as an example in the discussion of the degree of Greek influence on Etruscan culture.

In the first half of the 19th century, art historians thought that the Etruscan artist who created the fresco of the ambush of Troilus primarily copied Greek iconography.

Previously seen as a badly drawn or unknown kind of plant by most, Oleson interprets it as the setting sun.

It is unique because a setting sun does not appear on any Greek or Etruscan vase paintings dealing with Troilus.

[3] R. Ross Holloway similarly notes the Etruscan influence on the portrayal of Greek mythology.

A fresco of the sacrifice of the Trojan youths by Achilles at the pyre of Patroclus in the François Tomb is an example of this.

[5] Holloway disagrees with the Oleson's interpretation of the red object below the horse as the setting sun.

In these versions Troilus was said to have died as a consequence of a brutal rape or killed for his refusal of Achilles' love.

Instead, Holloway proposes that the erotic groups have an apotropaic purpose to protect from the evil eye.

[4] Another option is given by Stefan Steingräber, who thinks the scenes were life-affirming, to be interpreted in clear contrast to the symbolism of death.

He identifies the rider as Troilus because he wears a Phrygian cap and has a large knot of hair.