1-343-401 - Art Media/Heritage Images

A fight between a human Lapith and a Centaur, metope from the Parthenon, c440 BC. The sculpted decoration of the Parthenon included ninety-two metopes, rectangular slabs which alternate with triglyphs above the architrave, showing scenes of mythical battle. Those on the south flank of the temple included a series featuring human Lapiths in mortal combat with Centaurs. The Centaurs were part man and part horse, thus having a civil and a savage side to their nature. The Lapiths, a neighbouring Greek tribe, made the mistake of giving the Centaurs wine at the marriage feast of their king, Peirithoos. The Centaurs attempted to rape the women, with their leader Eurytion trying to carry off the bride. A general battle ensued, with the Lapiths finally victorious. Located in the British Museum.