Chariot

Ancient two-wheeled, poled vehicle, curved in front and open behind, and with a rail or dashboard of corresponding shape. It was adapted for standing; drawn by two or more horses. The only surviving example is that found in a Theban tomb ab. 1400 B C., and now in Florence, but pictures of such vehicles are common in Egyptian, A yrian, Greek and Roman reliefs and paintings. There is also a marble chariot and pair in the Vatican. They were used mainly for war and for racing. The Celtic nations used them armed with scythes. See BIGA.