Both archaeological finds and The Iliad describe the chariots of the Greeks as robust, but reasonably light cars, built from various seasoned woods such as elm or fir and usually pulled by two horses, (See Fig. 2) although a chariot could be drawn by three or four horses (See Fig. 3)

Fig. 2 From a wall frescoe in Hagia Triada, Crete, dated to the 13th century BCE. (Cretian Museum) and Fig. 3 Terra-cotta recovered near Thebes. Date uncertain, but based on similar wall frescoes in Minos approx. 13th century. (National Archeological Museum, Athens)

Homer informs us about this: "Nestor, warden of Achaea was the only one who lingered, and that not of his own free will, but because his third horse was in trouble." [Iliad Book VIII - 103]

Nyhen not used in battle the chariots were kept close to the warriors. When the riders slept a pair of horses were tied to the battle car as close by as possible and the warriors armor placed inside. [Iliad Book X - 482,483]

Much speculation has arisen over how the chariot horse could be controlled by the drivers given the restrictive method of controlling horses by using reins, but The Iliad might supply an answer to this problem,

Apparently the horses responded to the trainers voice commands and would turn accordingly. This clue is confirmed by the recent research done for the excellent "War-horse" film, where a chariot and horses were put together by historical researchers. The horses were hard to control at first but soon learned to obey verbal commands from their Arab owner and turned with increasing confidence.

This is substantiated by a verse that describes this method of horse control: "Aeneas," replied the son of Lycaon, "take the reins and drive; if we have to fly before the son of Tydeus the horses will go better for their own driver. If they miss the sound of your voice when they expect it they may be frightened, and refuse to take us out of the fight. The son of Tydeus will then kill both of us and take the horses. Therefore drive them yourself and I will be ready for him with my spear." [Iliad Book V - 228]

Additional controversy has raged over how the charioteers fought. Some authors maintain the warriors fought entirely on foot; others that they remained in their chariots. It would appear that the truth is they fought from wherever it suited them at the moment. Hector, for instance is described armed as this: "Here Hector entered, with a spear eleven cubits long in his hand; the bronze point gleamed in front of him, and was fastened to the shaft of the spear by a ring of gold." [Iliad, Book VI - 324]

This is a spear of around 15.5 feet. Capable of use both on foot and from a chariot, but not very good for throwing. To further corroborate this use of the chariot as a mobile killing platform we have this paragraph: "These two came forward from the main body of Trojans, and set upon Diomed, he being on foot, while they fought from their chariot. When they were close up to one another, Phegeus took aim first, but his spear went over Diomed's left shoulder without hitting him. Diomed then threw, and his spear sped not in vain, for it hit Phegeus on the breast near the nipple, and he fell from his chariot. Idaeus did not dare to bestride his brother's body, but sprang from the chariot and took to flight." [Iliad Book V - 12]

Here we have men fighting on foot and from chariots using heavy throwing spears. The Iliad describes the aggressiveuse of chariots against an enemy. Again we have Hector leading an attack and using his chariot as a weapon: "Zeus now again put heart into the Trojans, and they drove the Achaeans to their deep trench with Hector in all his glory at their bead. As a bound grips a wild boar or lion in flank or buttock when be gives him chase, and watches warily for his wheeling, even so did Hector follow close upon the Achaeans, ever killing the hindmost as they rushed panic­stricken onwards."

"When they had fled through the set stakes and trench and many Achaeans had been laid low at the bands of the Trojans, they halted at their ships, calling upon one another and praying every man instantly as they lifted up their hands to the gods-, but Hector wheeled his horses this way and that, his eyes glaring like those of Gorgo or murderous Mars." [Iliad, Book VIII- 331] Take note here that Hector is moving rapidly about the battle and still in control of his chariot.

Much effort has been expended to show chariots operating independently. No doubt they did, BUT they also operated in formation. This is attested by the way the Trojans dismount and then form up behind Hector for that assault on the Achean camp. Take for instance this statement. "I leapt into his chariot; I took my place in the front rank; and the proud Epeans broke and fled in every direction." [Iliad Book XI - 773] "So Asius in his chariot made straight for the Gate, backed by his company." [Iliad Book XII - 120]

And a section that gives a graphic description of chariots moving in fon-nation: "His chariots gave an answering shout, and all drove off with a mighty roar, horses and chariots in line with his ... Here they poured across, squadron by squadron." [Iliad Book XV - 386] From the same verse comes a battle description of this formation entering combat which should cause nightmares for rule writers: "They drove their horses inwell; and in a moment they were fighting hand to hand at the ships, the Trojans from their chariots with double pointed spears, and the Achaeans from the high up on black stems where they had climbed with the great poles made up of many lengths and tipped with bronze, which they kept on board for fighting at sea-" [Iliad Book XV - 386]

Contrary to some modern theories chariots could be driven home into opposing infantry formations when the latter lost morale or order: "He was in trouble with his horses, having driven into the thick of the infantry,who were themselves in some disorder." [Iliad Book XV - 460]

During the fight exhausted chariot warriors would retire behind their tribal phalanx for occasional rest, but they were expected to fight all day. Homer says: "Now, therefore, get your morning meal, that our hosts join in fight. Whet well your spears; see well to the ordering of your shields; give good feeds to your horses, and look your chariots carefully over, that we may do battle the livelong day; for we shall have no rest, not for a moment, till night falls to part us. The bands that bear your shields shall be wet with the sweat upon your shoulders, your hands shall weary upon your spears, your horses shall steam in front of your chariots, and if I see any man shirking the fight, or trying to keep out of it at the ships, there shall be no help for him, but he shall be a prey to dogs and vultures." [Iliad, Book II -368]

One final point remains to be discussed. The Iliad constantly mentions the leaders and heroes in chariots, but seldom draws attention to the followers of the great men. The richer Lords could afford more than one chariot and a crew to go with them. The Linear B texts show inventory for chariots, which list pans in less than pristine condition.

Obviously, the great men took the best and newest chariots and horses and the better equipment, while followers got the captured and hand me down gear. Along with the shining heroes described went numbers of unmentioned followers. This fact is demonstrated by the text which considers the preparations of Achilles for his friend Patroclus funeral: "Only the battle loving Myrmidons were not dismissed. Achilles kept his followers with him and addressed them. 'Myrmidons' he said, 'lovers of the fast horse; we will not unyoke our horses from their chariots yet, but mounted as we are, we will drive them past Patroclus and moum him as a dead man should be mourned.... The Myrmidons with one accord broke into lamentation, Achilles led the way and the mourning company drove their horses three times around the dead. [Iliad Book XXIII - 2]

More Homer's Greeks in Battle

Foreword, Sources, and Narrative
The Infantry
The Chariots
The Equipment
Reconstructing the Battle Tactics
Wargaming with Homer's Greeks