Persian Rider

The Persian Rider[1] is an archaic Greek equestrian sculpture, c. 520–500 BCE, that once stood on the Acropolis of Athens.

Only fragmentary remains survive; the lower torso and legs of the rider and the head, forelegs and chest of the horse.

[2] Significant amounts of the original surface painting remains on the statue including the multicoloured pattern on the leggings of the rider which is thought to indicate that he was Persian or Scythian,[3] hence the name.

The rider wears an elaborate costume of short chiton, anaxyrides or leggings and boots with much detail painted on.

There is some considerable speculation whether the statue has a relationship to the career of Miltiades, the Greek general instrumental in defeating the Persians at Marathon.