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Secondary sourcePaintingc. 1620

The Revenge of Tomyris

Michiel Coxie · c. 1620

A 17th-century painting by Michiel Coxie depicting Queen Tomyris's revenge on Cyrus after his death in battle.

Depicts the legendary revenge of Tomyris after defeating and killing Cyrus in battle.

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Oil painting of a woman in a green turban and pink and gray gown holding a bearded severed head over a decorated urn, while armed men stand behind her and a headless body lies at lower left with a dog. Two women in red and gold watch at right.
Michiel Coxie, The Revenge of Tomyris, c. 1620.

About this source

What it is

This oil painting, made around 1620 by the Flemish artist Michiel Coxie, shows Queen Tomyris ordering the severed head of Cyrus the Great to be dipped in blood, a scene from the legendary account of his death.

Why it matters

The story of Tomyris's revenge was recorded by ancient historians and became a popular subject for European painters interested in dramatic tales of ancient rulers. The painting reflects how Cyrus's death, as much as his life, became part of his lasting legend.

Look closer

  • What does Tomyris's posture and expression suggest about how the artist wanted viewers to see her?
  • Why might this gruesome moment have been considered a fitting subject for a painting?
  • What does the presence of onlookers suggest about how the artist wanted this act to be understood — as justice, revenge, or horror?

This painting is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of Cyrus the Great on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.

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