---
title: Sisyphus, Ixion and Tantalus
author: Dan Diffendale
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/6370/sisyphus-ixion-and-tantalus/
format: machine-readable-alternate
license: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/)
updated: 1970-01-01
---
# Sisyphus, Ixion and Tantalus
_Authored by Dan Diffendale_
## Image File
[](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/6370.jpg)
## Image Caption
A [Roman](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Roman/) sarcophagus showing three infamous figures from [Greek mythology](https://www.worldhistory.org/Greek_Mythology/) who were punished for their impiety: [Sisyphus](https://www.worldhistory.org/sisyphus/) (who had to forever roll a stone up a hill), [Ixion](https://www.worldhistory.org/Ixion/) (who was tied to an ever-spinning wheel), and [Tantalus](https://www.worldhistory.org/Tantalus/) (who could never quench his thirst). 160-170 CE, [Rome](https://www.worldhistory.org/Rome/). (Vatican Museums, Rome)
## Cite This Work
### APA
Diffendale, D. (2017, February 17). Sisyphus, Ixion and Tantalus. *World History Encyclopedia*.
### Chicago
Diffendale, Dan. "Sisyphus, Ixion and Tantalus." *World History Encyclopedia*, February 17, 2017. .
### MLA
Diffendale, Dan. "Sisyphus, Ixion and Tantalus." *World History Encyclopedia*, 17 Feb 2017, .
## License & Copyright
[](https://www.flickr.com/photos/dandiffendale/7761399926/in/photolist-rqx7pj-rokjrW-cPRcN7-4FJCpF-qH8Myc-G8USuL-68ZbhJ-8TteB4-8SFMva-8TwkKN)This image was first published on [Flickr](http://www.flickr.com). [Original image](https://www.flickr.com/photos/dandiffendale/7761399926/in/photolist-rqx7pj-rokjrW-cPRcN7-4FJCpF-qH8Myc-G8USuL-68ZbhJ-8TteB4-8SFMva-8TwkKN) by [**Dan Diffendale**](https://www.flickr.com/photos/dandiffendale/7761399926/in/photolist-rqx7pj-rokjrW-cPRcN7-4FJCpF-qH8Myc-G8USuL-68ZbhJ-8TteB4-8SFMva-8TwkKN). Submitted by [Mark Cartwright](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/markzcartwright/ "User Page: Mark Cartwright"), published on 17 February 2017. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/deed.en). This license lets others remix, tweak, and build upon this content non-commercially, as long as they credit the author and license their new creations under the identical terms. When republishing on the web a hyperlink back to the original content source URL must be included. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.