Chariots
The section with the chariots, in the middle of the long sides of the frieze, is fragmentarily preserved because of the bombardment of the temple in 1687 A.C. The drawings of J. Carrey contribute significantly to the restoration of the form of the chariots that have been lost.
Chariot races were one of the oldest and most spectacular of the Panathenaic contests. A special contest was that of the apobates, which went as follows: four-horse chariots with charioteer and hoplite ran the course, during which the hoplite dismounted and remounted the chariot while it was running.
The hoplites wore a short chiton, cuirass and helmet and they carried a shield.
The charioteers wore a sleeveless long chiton, belted at the waist.
Let us take a closer look at one of the chariots. It has two wheels to bear the biga, that is the vehicle of the chariot. The horses are yoked to the chariot by means of a strong pole, the shaft that was connected to the centre of the axis of the wheels. The charioteer drove the chariot. Those mounting the chariot could hold onto the rails.
The contest of the apobates is shown on the north side of the frieze. Taking part are twelve chariots, each one of which occupies one and a half blocks.
Chariots are shown standing…
during the course of the race…
with the dismounting of the hoplite…
and at the finish.
Various officials are stationed at intervals for the entire length of the procession.
Various officials are stationed at intervals for the entire length of the procession.
On the south side ten chariots are shown participating, each of which occupies a single block.
Five of the chariots have been lost. Carrey’s drawings help us reconstruct what the frieze looked like.
The chariots are depicted in motion, except for the first two, which appear to be preparing for the contest…
The chariots are depicted in motion, except for the first two, which appear to be preparing for the contest…
and the two last chariots which have finished.
and the two last chariots which have finished.
On block ΧΧΧΙ we see a brilliant composition with the chariot running with an armored Athenian, while in less than five centimeters relief the four heads of the horses are depicted at different levels.
