Wednesday, August 16, 2023

A Horseman from Albania's ancient Greek past

 Salvete Omnes,

if you are in southern California, US, then you could visit Paul Getty Museum -Getty Villa, where until January 2024 they have an ancient equestrian sculpture from ancient city of Arnissa, in present day Albania, in Europe. The figurine seems to show a rider covered in torso (cuirass)  and hips-covering (leather pteruges)  armor, his sword suspended under arm, in process of throwing a javelin or striking with his spear? The left arm perhaps held a shield? The horse is clearly a warhorse being  quite powerfully sculpted, with upright mane and stand up(tied?) forelock, while the tail is wrapped? or at least braided. Bridle depiction has not survived too well, but lower part of the psalia is visible, as well as parts of the leather headstall.  No saddle nor saddle cloth are visible. 

Ancient Albania was home to the Epirote Greeks, Greek colonists from down south Greece, Illyrians,   Thracians and Paeonians. 

this article shows the process of renovation of the rider and his horse



the map of Illyrian tribes in the ancient period up to the Roman conquest. -  this article may be entertaining a bit but also persuasive, and  then why not challenge yourself 

from the period of Roman conquests articles on the Illyrian  king Ballaeus/Ballaios ..



the map of ancient Paeonians' country


Illyrian helmet

Valete

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