---
title: The Muse Casket from the Esquiline Treasure
author: Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/5765/the-muse-casket-from-the-esquiline-treasure/
format: machine-readable-alternate
updated: 1970-01-01
---

# The Muse Casket from the Esquiline Treasure

_Authored by [Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/OsamaSMAmin/)_

## Image File

[![The Muse Casket from the Esquiline Treasure](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/5765.jpg)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/5765.jpg)

## Image Caption

This elaborate cosmetics box, suspended on three chains, holds five small canisters for perfumes and unguents. The outside is decorated with images of eight of the nine classical [Muses](https://www.worldhistory.org/muse/). A 9th figure on the top of the casket may be the final [Muse](https://www.worldhistory.org/muse/), but she lacks any identifying object or the feathered headdress worn by the others. Instead, she may be the portrait of the casket's owner. The images of the Muses would have flattered the casket's owner by emphasizing her knowledge of classical arts, which continued to be the height of educated sophistication among the Christian elite during the Late [Roman](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Roman/) Period. Part of the Esquiline Treasure, which was discovered in the year 1793 CE, at the foot of the Esquiline Hill, [Rome](https://www.worldhistory.org/Rome/), [Italy](https://www.worldhistory.org/italy/). Circa 330-370 CE. From Rome. (The British Museum, London).

#### Editorial Review

This human-authored image has been reviewed by our editorial team before publication to ensure accuracy, reliability and adherence to academic standards in accordance with our [editorial policy](https://www.worldhistory.org/static/editorial-policy/).

## Bibliography

- [British Museum: The Muse Casket](https://www.britishmuseum.org/research/collection_online/collection_object_details.aspx?objectId=59121&partId=1&searchText=Muse+Casket&images=true&page=1 "British Museum: The Muse Casket"), accessed 19 Mar 2020.

## About the Author

Associate Professor of Neurology and lover of the Cradle of Civilization, Mesopotamia. I'm very interested in Mesopotamian history and always try to take photos of archaeological sites and artifacts in museums, both in Iraq and around the world.
- [Facebook Profile](https://www.facebook.com/MRCPian)
- [Linkedin Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/osama-shukir-muhammed-amin/)

## Cite This Work

### APA
Amin, O. S. M. (2016, October 06). The Muse Casket from the Esquiline Treasure. *World History Encyclopedia*. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/5765/the-muse-casket-from-the-esquiline-treasure/>
### Chicago
Amin, Osama Shukir Muhammed. "The Muse Casket from the Esquiline Treasure." *World History Encyclopedia*, October 06, 2016. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/5765/the-muse-casket-from-the-esquiline-treasure/>.
### MLA
Amin, Osama Shukir Muhammed. "The Muse Casket from the Esquiline Treasure." *World History Encyclopedia*, 06 Oct 2016, <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/5765/the-muse-casket-from-the-esquiline-treasure/>.

## License & Copyright

Submitted by [Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/OsamaSMAmin/ "User Page: Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin"), published on 06 October 2016. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Copyright](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copyright). You cannot use, copy, distribute, or modify this item without explicit permission from the author. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.