Inventory number
ΕΑΜ Χ 6614
Category
Bronzes
Period
Classical Period
Date
470-460 BC
Dimensions
Height: 0.17 m
Material
Bronze
Location
First Floor Case 16, Νο 4
Figurine of a long jump or footrace athlete found south of the Parthenon in 1883. The young man was either lifting the halters with both hands in order to gain momentum, or he is depicted during the start of a footrace. His body is muscular, his legs bent and his arms are extended forward and held above shoulder height. The details on his hair are rendered with fine incisions.
Along the sides of his body there are two inscriptions with letters formed by dots. On his right side it reads: ΗΙΕΡΟΣ ⋮ ΤΕΣ ΑΘΕΝΑΙΑΣ and on his left: ΦΙΛΑΙΟΥ ⋮ ΔΕΚΑΤΕ. The inscriptions translate as “Sanctuary of Athena. A tithe by Philaios”, meaning that Philaios, after having won in an athletic contest, dedicated this figurine to Athena from one tenth of his winnings, perhaps the one tenth of the olive oil held in a Panathenaic amphora.
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