Equestrian Events

There were two types of horse races in ancient Greece: Chariot races, where two

to four horses pulled a cart in which the driver stood, and horse and jockey type races. Chariot races are first seen in the Iliad, and are often associated with passage into the underworld (Swaddling 66). There is also connections between charoits and war in cavalry tactics.

Two major equestrian events were contested at the Olympic festival. The tethripon, or

four horse chariot race, made its first appearance in 680 B.C., and in 648 B.C., the Keles (horse and jockey). Other events contested were the Apene(mule and cart race), synoris(two-horse chariot), and chariot races for colts. Races ranged in length from "about two and one-half miles for the colts' synorsis to over eight miles for the tethrhippon" Swaddling 68).

The chariots were wooden and very light, putting the charioteer at risk. (Swaddling, 70) Wrecks

were common, particularly around the corners of the track. For this reason, it was necessary that the charioteer be fearless and nevoted, despite the fact he would not be able to claim the prize for a victory. Chariots ere owned by aristocrats, as they were quite expensive, and it was the owners who recieved the rewards. According to David Young, the prize for a 1st place finish in the chariot race was 1680 dracmas (Young, 121)

Horse and jockey races, covering about 1200 meters, were also dangerous and hard on the

jockeys. There were no saddles or stirrups, and the ground was uneven as a result of the chariot races that took place before hand. Like the chariot drivers, the jockeys did not own the horses, and did not recieve recognition for winning. (Swaddling, 73)

All equestrian events were held at the Hippodrome. Races were started in a gate called the aphesis,

which was a very elaborate and advanced structure. The dangerous turns were made around pillars that stood at the east and west ends of the track. (Swaddling, 31)

This Amphora shows two men on horseback, the winner holding
his goad high, and the loser holding his low (Perseus)

Written by: Laura Jones

<TOP> <HOME>