Quadriga

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The Triumphal Quadriga in Venice, a replica of the only surviving ancient quadriga

A quadriga (Latin quadri-, four, and iugum, yoke) is a car or chariot drawn by four horses abreast (the Roman Empire's equivalent of Ancient Greek tethrippon). It was raced in the Ancient Olympic Games and other contests. It is represented in profile as the chariot of gods and heroes on Greek vases and in bas-relief. The quadriga was adopted in ancient Roman chariot racing. Quadrigas were emblems of triumph; Victory and Fame often are depicted as the triumphant woman driving it. In classical mythology, the quadriga is the chariot of the gods; Apollo was depicted driving his quadriga across the heavens, delivering daylight and dispersing the night.

The word quadriga may refer to the chariot alone, the four horses without it, or the combination.

Modern quadrigas

Some of the most significant full-size free-standing sculptures of quadrigas include, in approximate chronological order:

Gallery

See also

References

  1. BBC News - A Point of View: The European dream has become a nightmare
  2. Brandenburg Gate. Berlin - Offizielles Stadtportal der Hauptstadt Deutschlands - Berlin.de.
  3. MNHS.ORG | Minnesota State Capitol

External links