Parcere subiectis et debellare superbos. The Stele of the Vultures as exemplary narrative

Abstract

The correspondence between text and imagery on the Stele of the Vultures is a long-debated
question. Even the meaning and the sequence of the images on the reverse of the Stele, as well as their
relationship to the text are still obscure. Given that perfect correspondence was not a priority, this
article proposes an overall interpretation of the monument. According to the author, the topic of
rebellion, which is alluded to in the text through threats and curses upon anyone who would violate the
oaths, and which is just implied (ellipsis) in the visual account, is the key to understanding the message
of the monument.