Parthenon Frieze _ North XL, 109-111

myminifactory

Some horsemen, like those depicted here, wear knee-high boots that extend down to their knees. All horsemen ride bareback without the aid of stirrups, which were still unknown at this time. Drill-holes indicate where reins and a bridle would have been attached - likely made of bronze and now long gone. Half of the North frieze is housed in the British Museum while the other half resides in the Acropolis museum. The total length of the North frieze measures 58.70 meters. Scenes on the frieze begin at the northwest corner of the opisthonaos as a continuation of the procession that started earlier on the west side, thus extending from block N XLVII to block N I. As the action unfolds gradually and intensifies, it transitions from quiet preparation to a full gallop. Ignoring the divisions between blocks, the horsemen are shown proceeding in groups of seven or eight, with horses overlapping each other. The continuous flow of horses and riders is momentarily interrupted only by the marshal on block XXXIV. Despite some repetition, variety is maintained through diverse garments, stances, and gestures among the most beautiful horsemen, as well as occasional depictions of men turning their heads to glance back.