Boeotian Horse Figurines with Rider

These Boeotian Horse Figurines with Rider made from terracotta with painted decoration were typical grave offerings.

Horses were a sign of wealth for the ancient Greeks, and the terracotta horses symbolized or reinforced the status of the deceased.

These offerings may have represented the status of the dead or their family’s hopes for their afterlife.

Thousands of clay horse figurines like these survive from the Archaic period. Clay was a standard and easily worked material, and these figurines varied from highly finished to very crude. 

Terracotta figurines were produced throughout Greece, but horses were a favorite subject for Boeotian.

Boeotia

Boeotia was a region of ancient Greece, since before the 6th century BC. One of the regional units of Central Greece, Boeotia, lies to the north of the eastern part of the Gulf of Corinth.

The early wealth and power of Boeotia are demonstrated by the reputation and Mycenean remains of several of its cities, especially Thebes.

Boeotian Horse Figurines with Rider

• Title:              Boeotian Horse Figurines with Rider
• Date:             ca. 600–650 B.C.
• Culture:         Boeotian
• Geography:   Greece
• Medium:       Terracotta
• Dimensions:  10 – 12 cm
• Museum:       Benaki Museum, Athens

Explore Benaki Museum, Athens

• Mycenaean Female Figurines of ‘Phi’ and ‘Psi’ Type
• Boeotian Horse Figurines with Rider
• Corinthian Helmet
• Christ by Emmanuel Lambardos
• Pilgrim’s Bottle of Saint Menas

Explore Museums in Athens

• Acropolis Museum
• National Archaeological Museum
• Benaki Museum
• Goulandris Museum of Cycladic Art
• Byzantine and Christian Museum
• Hellenic Motor Museum
• National Historical Museum, Athens
• Museum of the Ancient Agora
• Syntagma Metro Station Archaeological Collection
• Numismatic Museum of Athens
• Athens War Museum
• Jewish Museum of Greece
• Athens University Museum

Historical Sites in Athens

• Acropolis of Athens
• Ancient Agora of Athens
• Temple of Olympian Zeus, Athens
• Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Athens
• Roman Agora
• Temple of Poseidon at Sounion
• Temple of Hephaestus
• Roman Baths, Athens
• Aristotle’s Lyceum

Horses

• Horses have been domesticated for over 5000 years.
• Horse hooves are made from the same protein that makes up human hair and fingernails.
• Horses drink at least 25 gallons of water a day.
• Horses have the most prominent eyes among mammal that lives on land.
• Horses can sleep both lying down and standing up.
• Because horse’s eyes are on the side of their head, they are capable of seeing nearly 360 degrees.
• Domestic horses have a lifespan of around 25 years.
• Horses gallop at around 44 kph (27 mph).
• Newly born horses can run shortly after birth.
• Horses use their ears, eyes, and nostrils to express their mood and through facial expressions.
• Horses are social animals and will get lonely if kept alone.
• Horses will mourn the passing of a companion.

Greek Horse Symposium

Tiny but Mighty: This Ancient Greek Horse Still Exists Today

The Greco-Chinese War Over the Heavenly Horses

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“Wonder is the beginning of wisdom.”
– Greek Proverb

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Photo Credit: 1) JOM