Parthenon Frieze _ North XXXVIII, 103-104-105

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Human: This marble relief (Block XXXVIII) from the North frieze of the Parthenon showcases three riders in action. One is seen wearing a belted tunic and boots while displaying his back with both arms flexed to hold his reins firmly in place. Next to him, a naked rider proudly wears a chlamys behind his back as part of the cavalcade on the North frieze. The horsemen are depicted in a series of phalanxes overlapping each other in an irregular pattern, contrasting sharply with the South frieze. There is significant variation in composition and dress throughout the relief, ranging from heavily draped figures in mantle and tunic to those who appear almost naked. Some riders are bareheaded while others wear distinctive caps on their heads. Metal reins, which have since been lost, were once inserted into drill-holes for added realism. Half of the North frieze is housed at the British Museum, with the other half residing in the Acropolis museum. The total length of the north frieze measures 58.70 meters from end to end. Scenes begin at the northwest corner of the opisthonaos and continue uninterrupted from block N XLVII to block N I, thus forming a single, continuous procession that picks up where it left off on the west side. As the action unfolds, it gradually accelerates from quiet preparation to full gallop, creating a sense of dynamic movement through space. The horsemen are depicted proceeding in groups of seven or eight, with horses overlapping each other for added visual interest. The only interruption in this otherwise continuous flow comes in the form of the marshal (90) on block XXXIV. Despite the presence of repetition and monotony in certain areas, variety is maintained through differences in garment, stance, gesture, and even facial expressions among the most beautiful horsemen depicted. Occasionally, a figure will turn his head to look back, adding an extra layer of depth and emotion to the scene. The Parthenon frieze forms a continuous band that encircles the upper part of the cella within the outer colonnade, featuring low-relief scenes that tell the story of the procession toward the Acropolis during the Great Panathenaia, a celebration honoring the birthday of goddess Athena.