Chariots - Homeric World

Box Chariot

• two wheeled ( 4 wheel spokes )

• relatively small - most likely could fit only 1 or 2 people.

• Used in hunting, battle - high speed vehicle.

Rail Chariot

• later period

• also for transport, would have been very light and would have an open frame and cab.

• Most likely used for battlefield transport than for actual battle.

Quadrant chariot

• Early period - transitional periods

• D shaped floor with back open

4 wheeled chariots

• there is barely any evidence existing for this type of chariot, perhaps it was used like a wagon ?

Dual Chariot

• Big 4 spoked wheels - cover more ground

• Not high speed - made for long distance travel at a moderate speed.

  • covered in leather - sturdy, made to last

• Most likely used for trade + travel

• Quality suggests that the wealthy and high status would use this type more.

Chariot hunt signet ring ( Mycenae )

Box chariot is being used :

• 2 occupants

  • one shooting bow ( archer )

  • one driving ( driver )

• 2 horses is pulling the chariot

• Chariot seems very small and unstable

  • quite dangerous

significance :

• evidence of box chariot usage in hunting

• evidence of how to operate a box chariot

Tiryns Fresco of man and woman in a chariot

Date : 13th century BC

Location : Tiryns

Material : Plaster and paint

Significance :

• evidence of chariots used for travelling

• evidence of wealth - dual chariot usage

• Dual chariot is depicted :

  • 2 people ( one driver )

• It is much more spacious compared to a box chariot

  • could hold cargo in the back for trade

  • designed for longer distance, slower travel

• Covered in red animal hide/leather

  • sturdy so last longer.

• Big wheels - cover more ground

Grave Stele of man driving a chariot - Grave Circle A

Date : 16th century BC

Material : Limestone

Significance :

• evidence of chariot use for games - possibly racing in this scene though unlikely..

• evidence for use in battle perhaps

  • chasing enemy holding a club

  • Driver has a scabbard

  • Driving a box chariot ( mainly used for hunting and war )

• evidence of proto reins / early rein variation

  • one long, solid pole around horse’s mouth

Agamemnon’s orders

• In the Iliad, Agamemnon orders the chariots to disturb and break enemy lines :

  • weakest infantry would go forth so that they are forced to fight - no escape

  • followed by stronger ones that would back them up.

Other uses of chariots in the Iliad

• warriors were often driven to the centre of fighting, get off and fight on foot.

• Generally, warriors didn’t fight on chariots.

• After the warrior wins, charioteer would drive them elsewhere.

• Chariots also raced as funeral games - Iliad Book 23 - Patroclus' funeral games

What were those funeral games like ?

In the Iliad, the chariot race is described as being :

• very dangerous - high speed race, chariots break easily and falling could cause serious injuries.

• Takes place in a circuit - doing laps around the same area.

• Teams of horses ( pairs )

• very competitive, prizes available for the victor.

• Sportsmanship - “oath” is integral to this competition.