Charioteer of Delphi facts for kids
The Charioteer of Delphi is a very famous ancient Greek bronze statue. It was made around 477 BC, which was a long, long time ago! This amazing sculpture stands about 1.8 meters (almost 6 feet) tall. It shows a young man who has just won a chariot race.
Contents
Discovering the Charioteer
Where it was Found
This incredible statue was found in a special place called the sanctuary of Apollo at Delphi. French archaeologists discovered it in 1896. They were digging carefully to uncover ancient treasures.
What Else Was Found
When the Charioteer was found, other pieces were nearby. These included parts of a sculpted chariot and some sculpted horses. There was also a small sculpted person, who was probably the charioteer's groom. All these pieces were once part of a much larger monument.
Why the Statue Was Made
Celebrating a Victory
The Charioteer monument was ordered by a man named Polyzalos. He was a powerful ruler from Sicily. He wanted to remember his big victory in the chariot races around 477 BC. Winning these races was a huge honor in ancient Greece!
Buried for Safety
At some point, the statue was buried. This was a common practice in ancient Greece. It was probably buried because it had been damaged and could not be fixed easily. Burying it helped to preserve it for thousands of years until it was found again.
Gallery
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A close-up of the Charioteer's face
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The Charioteer on display at the Delphi Museum
Images for kids
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The Charioteer of Delphi, Delphi Museum
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A closer look at the Charioteer's head
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Detail of the statue's head, showing the inlaid eyes
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Fragments and a drawing of the Charioteer
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Detail of the statue's head and arm
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Back view of the Charioteer
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The Charioteer's position in the museum
See also
In Spanish: Auriga de Delfos para niños
