Collection Item – Teece Museum of Classical Antiquities

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Replica of a marble relief showing apobates contest; Ministry of Culture Archaeological Receipts Fund; ca. 1988-1989; CC35

From:UC Teece Museum of Classical Antiquities

Name/TitleReplica of a marble relief showing apobates contest

About this objectThis is a plaster cast copy of an original sculpture found on the Acropolis in Athens. The original relief, which dates to the early 3rd century BC, represents a four horse chariot in an apobates contest with its driver and armed warrior.

A charioteer is depicted standing in the box of a quadriga, or four horse chariot. He is clad in a long chiton and holds the horses’ reins. Next to him is the apobates, or armed warrior. With his helmet and shield, the apobates is shown in the moment he tries to climb back on the chariot as it moves at speed towards the left.

Translating to “dismounters,” the apobatai would dismount the chariot as it raced along the course of approximately 700 metres. They would then run alongside the chariot before remounting. The apobates contest would end with the warriors jumping off their chariots in a final dash for the finish line.

The apobates contest was a ceremonial part of the Panathenaic games which were held annually in honour of Athena, the patron goddess of the city of Athens. The games were held every fourth year and the contests were open to all Greeks. Chariot racing was one of the prominent sports featured in the games. Athena was also known as Athena Hippia and inventor of the bridle, the protector of horse riders and equestrian pursuits.

MakerMinistry of Culture Archaeological Receipts Fund

Maker RoleCasting and Copying Workshop

Date Madeca. 1988-1989

PeriodEarly Hellenistic

Place MadeGreece; Athens

Place NotesOriginal relief from a marble base from the Acropolis in Athens.

Medium and MaterialsPlaster

Style and IconographyHellenistic

TechniqueCasting (process)

Measurements420mm x 860mm

Subject and Association KeywordsAnimals in art

Subject and Association KeywordsArms and Armour

Subject and Association KeywordsSports in art

Named CollectionThe James Logie Memorial Collection, University of Canterbury, New Zealand

Credit LinePurchased, 1996.

Object TypeSculpture

Object numberCC35