Achilles in Fighting Position

The fighting stance of Achilles — feet planted, weight balanced, every muscle taut — was studied and admired throughout antiquity. Homer described his strength as so terrible that even rivers retreated before him. Here he is captured at the ready, embodying the warrior virtues that Greek youth were raised to revere: discipline, courage, and the disciplined channelling of rage. This is the figure who, at the gates of Troy, would change the course of legend.