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Height: 9.000 cm
P&EE 1856 7-1 1249
Room 49: Roman Britain
Chariot-racing in ancient Rome
Bronze knife-handle in the form of a charioteer
The charioteer wears a short tunic, a helmet and protective bands (fasciae) around his waist, which were the normal outfit for charioteers. He is clearly not depicted in the middle of a race. Instead, with his hand raised to his head, he is probably shown in victory, acknowledging the applause of the crowd.
A Roman charioteer (auriga) wrapped the reins around his waist and tied them fast. He would brace his entire body against the reins, steering the chariot by shifting his weight, and using the left hand only to correct the course. His right hand wielded the whip. He would carry a knife stuck in the straps of his torso lacing, so that in an emergency he could cut the reins and free himself from the horses.
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Carthaginian stones, £27.00