tour 7 of 10
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.