![charioteer of delphi charioteer of delphi](https://www.greeka.com/seedo/photos/869/delphi-the-charioteer-top-1-1280.jpg)
Some freestanding bronze statues, however, including the charioteer, have been rediscovered in the 20th century. Most bronze statues from ancient times were melted down for their raw materials or were naturally corroded, but the Charioteer survived because it was buried under a rock-fall at Delphi, which probably destroyed the site in 373 B.C. Make him prosper, honoured Apollo." Design and completeness External videoĬharioteer of Delphi, (3:38), Smarthistory The inscription, that is written in hexameters, reads: ολύζαλος μ'ἀνέθηκὸν ἄεξ εὐόνυμ'Ἀπόλλ, which is reconstructed to read "Polyzalus dedicated me. It has certain similarities of detail to the statue known as the Piraeus Apollo, which is known to be of Athenian origin.Īn inscription on the limestone base of the statue shows that it was dedicated by Polyzalus, the tyrant of Gela, a Greek colony in Sicily, as a tribute to Apollo for helping him win the chariot race. The name of the sculptor is unknown, but for stylistic reasons it is believed that the statue was cast in Athens. It is unlikely, however, the statue itself comes from Sicily. The Sicilian cities were very wealthy compared with most of the cities of mainland Greece and their rulers could afford the most magnificent offerings to the gods, also the best horses and drivers. The masterpiece has been associated with the sculptor Pythagoras of Samos who lived and worked in Sicily, as well as with the sculptor Calamis. Some fragments of the horses were found with the statue. It was originally part of a larger group of statuary, including the chariot, at least four horses and possibly two grooms. It has also been suggested that the complex was actually commemorating the victory of Polyzalos' brother, Hieron, at the same games in analogy to his ex voto after his victory at the Olympic Games. The statue was set up at Delphi, Greece to commemorate the victory of the tyrant Polyzalus of Gela in Sicily and his chariot in the Pythian Games of 470 BC, which were held at Delphi in honor of Pythean Apollo. Further information: Sculpture and Bronze sculpture