Parthenon Metope: Lapith and Centaur in Violent Combat

This Parthenon metope (447–438 BC) depicts the battle between Lapiths and Centaurs at the wedding of Pirithous, king of the Lapiths and close companion of Theseus. When the Centaurs, inflamed by wine, attempted to abduct the Lapith women, a violent struggle erupted. Here a Lapith warrior seizes a Centaur by the hair, ready to strike, while the creature raises its arms in futile resistance. The scene embodies the Greek theme of civilization versus barbarism, central to Athenian identity.