In March and April 2024, the USC Libraries and the USC School of Dramatic Arts hosted a Visions & Voices-funded program called "About Face: Women, War, and Re-Envisioning Troy." As part of the program, two public walking tours of campus were conducted, to examine imagery related to Troy and ancient Greece. During the tours, attendees exchanged information and opinions about the iconography and the history of Trojan representation on campus. As a follow-up to the program, we developed a guide to a selection of information and sources on the iconography of Troy and ancient Greece on the University Park Campus of the University of Southern California.
Research for this guide was generously funded through a USC Libraries Research Grant in Fall 2024 and Spring 2025.
Ákos Jonas, Melissa Miller, Marje Schuetze-Coburn, and Ruth Wallach.
Alphabetical List of Trojan Iconography
Benches with inscriptions:
- The bench on the east side of the Bovard Administration building is engraved with the USC motto in Latin: Palmam qui meruit ferat. Translation: Let the one who has earned it bear the palm.
- The two benches framing the main entrance of the Physical Education Building feature an inscription in Greek and Latin. Translation: In harmony of mind and body.
Bike lane graphic, 2012: Paths for cyclists run north and south on Trousdale Parkway, spanning from 34th St to Bloom Walkway. They are marked by arrows and a graphic of a bicycling figure with a Trojan helmet. Originally, these were spray painted on the sidewalk in color; the arrows were yellow and the figure was cardinal.[1] Today, they are painted in white.
Dart Aphrodite, ca. 100 BC – 100 CE: This rare head of an Arles Aphrodite statue is located on the second floor of the Ronald Tutor Campus Center. To read more, visit the Dart Aphrodite page.
Doheny Memorial Library, 1932: The library is decorated with numerous references to Classical tradition, thought, and legend. To see images and to read more on each piece, visit the page dedicated to the iconography in Doheny Memorial Library.
- Engravings of early printers’ marks, by Giovanni Smeraldi: The walls of the Los Angeles Times Reading Room feature a frieze of fourteen early printers’ marks, many of whom published translations of Classical literature or mythology.
- Mosaics of Hercules and Alexander the Great, by Roger Hayward: Mosaic spandrels above the library’s main entrance depict legends of Hercules and Alexander the Great.
- Roundel of Classical learning, by Joseph Conradi: This central medallion, sculpted from marble, portrays teaching and learning in the Classical tradition.
- Murals, by Samuel Armstrong: A mural on the south wall of the Treasure Room includes representation of Greco-Roman use of the codex and the reed pen (the calamus). The mural on the north wall includes the depiction of William Caxton at his press and Aldus Manutius, “carrying out his dream of multiplying the Greek classics through the new invention of printing.”
- Stained glass of Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, by Wilbur Herbert Burnham: The north windows of the main hall depict these Classical philosophers in stained glass.
Doheny Sarcophagus, possibly of the 19th century: This ancient-looking sarcophagus of uncertain origin is located just inside the entrance to Doheny Memorial Library. To read more, visit the Doheny Sarcophagus page.
References:
[1] University of Southern California (@usc), “How many of you have noticed our new Trojan biker around campus? Have you used the new bike lanes yet?,” Facebook, August 31, 2012, https://www.facebook.com/usc/posts/how-many-of-you-have-noticed-our-new-trojan-biker-around-campus-have-you-used-th/482783181746139/.
The image of the cardinal/yellow bike graphic is from the post above.
Hecuba, by Christopher Slatoff, 2017: Since 2011, women have comprised more than half of the university’s student body.[1] The Hecuba statue, standing in the middle of the USC Village, was intended as a female counterpart to Tommy Trojan. To read more, visit the Hecuba page.
Hephaestus, by Dimitri Hadzi, 1977: The bronze sculpture, by American abstract artist Dimitri Hadzi, can be found in the Anna Bing Arnold Plaza and Sculpture Garden. Hephaestus was the Greek god of fire, blacksmiths, craftsmen, and metalworking.
Medallion, designed by John and Donald Parkinson, 1928: The sculpted medallion near the top of Bridge Hall depicts a hare, a snake, an eagle, and a lion cub. This is a reference to Aeschylus’ Agamemnon. To read a full analysis of this symbolism, visit the page on the Bridge Hall Medallion.
Mudd Hall (Seeley Wintersmith Mudd Memorial Hall of Philosophy), designed by Ralph Carlin Flewelling, 1929:
- Decorated ceiling of Argonauts Hall, by Julian Ellsworth Garnsey, 1929: A USC philosophy society, called the Argonauts, was founded in 1919.[2] The namesake is a reference to the Argonauts of Greco-Roman mythology, the band of sailors who accompanied Jason on his quest for the Golden Fleece. The tenth anniversary of the club coincided with the official establishment of the School of Philosophy and the construction of Mudd Hall. A new room–Argonauts Hall–was dedicated for the club, thanks to their close relationship with the first head of the School of Philosophy, Dr. Ralph Tyler Flewelling.[2] He was a frequent guest speaker and, on occasion, even hosted club events in his own home. This professor’s son, Ralph Carlin Flewelling, was the architect of Mudd Hall. The interior was designed by Julian Ellsworth Garnsey, “the best known mural painter in Southern California.”[3] The ceiling features the profile of a soldier with a Trojan helmet, as well as Trojan soldiers pointing spears against each other.
- Diogenes in Search of an Honest Man: In this carved stone decoration, Diogenes overlooks the south entrance to Mudd Hall with a lamp hanging from his hand. This Ancient Greek philosopher is said to have walked around in broad daylight with a lamp; when his reasoning was questioned, he responded that he was searching for an honest man. He is considered to be the founder of Cynicism.
- Names of ancient Greek philosophers carved around Mudd Hall of Philosophy: Thales, Anaxagoras, Pythagoras, Plato, Aristotle.
Above, left to right: Hephaestus sculpture, the ceiling of Argonauts Hall, and Diogenes in Search of an Honest Man.
References:
[1] "Philosophy Club Receive New Room,” The Southern California Daily Trojan 21, no. 32, October 30, 1929, 4.
[2] A department of philosophy did exist at USC prior to 1929. The first head of the department was James Harmon Hoose, after whom the Hoose Library of Philosophy is named. The department was established as an official school in 1929.
[3] "Library To Be Hall Feature,” The Southern California Daily Trojan 21, no. 31, October 29, 1929, 4; “Art Students Enter Competition,” The Southern California Daily Trojan 21, no. 36, November 5, 1929, 4.
Physical Education Building, designed by John and Donald Parkinson, 1930: A Trojan soldier’s head appears at the top of the archway, at the main (west-facing) entrance. Stone benches on either side of the stairs read “In harmony of mind and body,” in Greek on the left and in Latin on the right. Above each set of doors, decorative glass panels depict two warriors fighting, a globe and quill, and a Trojan soldier on horseback (left to right). These patterns were sandblasted on the glass and installed during the building’s construction. Interestingly, the facade of the building also features Ionic columns. Ionic columns were not part of architecture in ancient Troy, as they only emerged in the 6th century BCE, after the fall of Troy.[1] Rather, their inclusion here seems to evoke Classical art in general, as is the case with the two large decorative urns above the columns.
Plato and Cicero, by Johan Gruenfeld, 1921: Eight figures flank the top corners of Bovard tower, including Plato and Cicero on the West side. Plato is depicted with a beard, contemplating. Cicero, beside him, holds scrolls in both hands. The figures chosen for this 1921 building are an interesting reminder of USC’s history: it was during this time period that the university transitioned from being known as the Methodists/Wesleyans to the Trojans. Of the eight sculptures, three are Methodist leaders, one is an Episcopal bishop, two are Classical philosophers, and two are American presidents.[2]
Prometheus, by Merrell Gage, 1949: This concrete relief of Prometheus is located near the southwest entrance to Taper Hall. It depicts Prometheus from the side, carrying the flame he stole from the Olympian gods. Traditionally, this fire is symbolic of the gift of knowledge to humanity. The sculptor, however, imbued it with an additional message. Merrell Gage was a USC Professor and Head of Fine Arts, and sculpted Prometheus for the university in 1949. He reflected, “Choosing the ancient Greek mythological figure is appropriate in the present age, for today, man also has taken the atomic fire, of which he is so proud and so afraid, from the sun.”[3]
Above, left to right, top to bottom: Prometheus (Taper Hall), Cicero & Plato (Bovard Tower), Trojan head (PED), the front of PED, and the image on the glass in PED.
References:
[1] “The Ionic Order,” Columns, Chadsworth Incorporated, 2015, https://shop.columns.com/classical-orders-ionic.aspx.
[2] “Art and Architecture: Self-Guided Tour,” University of Southern California Public Art and Design Committee, June 2011.
[3] “Sculpture Completed On Founders Hall,” The Southern California Daily Trojan 41, no. 44, November 10, 1949, 4.
Photo credit for Trojan head: "Physical Education Building, USC, 1997-2008"
Photo credit for B&W image of PED: "Physical Education Building, USC, ca. 1960s"
All other pictures were taken by this team and featured in the guide used during the Visions and Voices program tours in April 2024.
Seated Knowledge, by Peter Krasnow, 1927: This terra-cotta grill was created by Peter Krasnow for the main entrance of the Student Union (Gwyn Wilson) building. At the center is the university seal, against the figure of a Trojan, and flanked by two students on either side, “as if to protect the honor of the school.”[1] The piece also features a Greek representation of knowledge, as well as students engaged in various extracurricular activities, making the grill “symbolic of college life as a whole.”[2]
Stonier Hall, by William H. Mead, 1927: Originally, this building served as a men’s dormitory, called Aeneas Hall or Aeneas on 36th Place. In Greco-Roman mythology, Aeneas was related to King Priam of the Trojan War. The Romans traced their lineage to the legendary Trojans through Aeneas, as canonized by Virgil in the Aeneid. In 1956, after Aneas Hall was acquired by the University, it was renamed to Stonier Hall in honor of alumnus Harold J. Stonier. It was converted into offices in 1975.
Tommy Trojan, by Roger Noble Burnham, 1930: Perhaps the most recognizable icon on campus, this bronze statue was originally dedicated as the Trojan Shrine for USC’s 50th anniversary. To read more, visit the Tommy Trojan page.
Traveler, by Ronald Pekar, 2010: The statue of USC’s mascot, Traveler, stands by the fountain across from Tommy Trojan. Although ideas to adopt a horse as the official mascot circulated in 1950,[3] the tradition of the pure white Traveler began in 1961. This was when Bob Jani, Director of Special Events, and Eddie Tannenbaum, a USC junior, “persuaded [Richard] Saukko to ride his white horse around the Coliseum during USC games.”[4] Former University President Steven Sample commissioned the statue near the end of his tenure. Sculpted by Ron Pekar, “Traveler” weighs over 1,300 pounds. It is cast from 37 bronze parts at the Adonis foundry in Utah and covered with a white patina to resemble the real Traveler. Pekar aimed to balance accuracy and heroism in the pose of the horse; the muscle structure and anatomy are slightly exaggerated.[5] Traveler, “in all his majesty,” faces Tommy Trojan across Hahn plaza, “standing guard over [him].”[6] At the unveiling, on May 4th, 2010, Sample said the statue is “truly a gift from our family to the Trojan Family.”[7]
Trojan Sword sculpture, 2012: As USC football players leave their lounge in the John McKay Center, they may touch the top of this sculpture for good luck.[3] The “Trojan Sword” appears to be plunged into its stone pedestal at the end of their passageway. Only the top half can be seen, paying tribute to the USC tradition at the start of every football game: the Trojan plunging his sword into the center of the field, after taking a lap on Traveler around the LA Coliseum.[4] In the archway above the sword sculpture, a Greek inscription reads: Νοῦς ὑγιὴς ἐν σώματι ὑγιεῖ. Translation: A healthy mind in a healthy body.
“Trojan” Column, possibly ca. 30BC – 400CE: This column fragment is another ancient artifact on campus, though questions remain surrounding its origin. To read more, visit the Trojan Column page.
Above, from left to right: Traveler, the John McKay Center passage, the Trojan Sword.
References:
[1] Harry Maxted, “New Edifice Is Symbolic,” The Southern California Daily Trojan 19, no. 74, February 8, 1928, 4.
[2] Ibid., 1.
[3] “Pup Chosen After 800 to 518 Vote,” The Southern California Daily Trojan 42, no. 9, September 28, 1950, 1.
[4] “Traveler,” USC Trojans, July 25, 2018, https://usctrojans.com/sports/2018/7/25/usc-history-traditions-traveler-mascot-horse.
[5] Jonathan Pekar, “The Bronzing of Traveler,” August 6, 2011, 13 min., 18 sec., https://vimeo.com/27390700.
[6] Ibid.
[7] “Traveler Statue Unveiled USC May 4th 2010.AVI,” recording, featuring Steven Sample, posted May 4, 2010, by @vorgon001, YouTube, 5 min., 11 sec., https://youtu.be/sIAPmqFKGXA?si=m4iZKR5E9ca4GtD_.
[8] Theperistyle (@theperistyle), “There is something different about the Trojan Sword,” TikTok, September 19, 2023, https://www.tiktok.com/@theperistyle/video/7280736837050830126.
[9] Avinash Kunnath, “PHOTO: USC Football Sword Sculpture Outside McKay Center,” SBNation, August 15, 2012.
Photo credits, from left to right:
Usc Alumni Association on Facebook, December 9, 2024.
"Athlete entrance into the new John McKay Center - USC" on Expedia, University of Southern California Tours.
July and August 2012 (1) Candygrams on TrojanCandy.