Donnerstag, 28. Februar 2008

Xenophon




Pics from the National Archaeological Museum of Athens

8 Kommentare:

  1. I found these ancient bits fascinating--but also found myself wondering about those spikes and corrugations that hit the corners of the mouth...

    Perhaps that's why all those Greek and Rorman horse statues are rearing with their mouths open--perhaps the horses were trying to avoid the bit!

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  2. I agree, I think this must have been torture for the horses! I understand Xenophon when he says that the riders in his days should train their horses with more understanding their nature and behavior.

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  3. Are these spurs? If so, they surely show that ancient riders rode with a leg that was more free than riders of later years.

    The "battle" saddes of later centuries had those huge rolls in front and back of the leg, so the rider could brace himself in battle...because the leg was so immovable and ensconsed between the rolls, the stems and rowels of spurs had to be much longer to reach the targeted spot on the horse.

    Someone please correct me if I am wrong on this.

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  4. those bits are the things that worry me! Those rough corners on soft mouths, and those discs...ugh!

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  5. Von Solinski gibt es einen interessanten Artikel zu Xenophon, in dem er auch andere Zitate
    bringt und zeigt, dass er gar nicht als "Vater der Reitkunst" angesehen werden kann.
    Vielleicht demnächst mehr.

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  6. Bronzefiguren zusammen gefunden im Meer bei Kap Artemision-muß erst mal schauen, wo in Griechenland das ist. Ende des 2.Jh.vor Christus.
    Athen, Nationalmuseum
    Unglaublich beeindruckende Pferdedarstellung, da kann man auf den Pferdetypus schließen zu dieser Zeit, und sich gleichzeitig fragen, wieviel verloren gegangen ist.

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