Parthenon Metope: Lapith and Centaur in Violent Combat
2022 © Maxim Tabachnik
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Parthenon Metope: Lapith and Centaur in Violent Combat

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