encyclopedia article

encyclopedia article

A chariot was an invention from ancient Mesopotamia in which two or four wheels were attached to an axle or axles and permitting a cart to be built on top; this structure was attached to a horse or horses by ropes or wooden bars. Archaeologists and historians have evidence of chariots dating before 3000 BCE, although there is dispute whether the chariot was invented by the Hittites, Mesopotamians, Egyptians, or others, and some sources suggest the earliest chariots were developed in an area north of Iran in modern Russia.

The term, however, has a long military tradition. In the Second World War, miniature submarines, derived from torpedoes, ridden by divers, were used to attack ships.

In mythology

In Greek mythology, chariots were useful in warfare. In Roman poetry such as the Aeneid by Virgil, the goddess Juno, who loved Carthage, kept a war chariot there hoping that her beloved citystate would one day rule the Mediterranean world;[1] but this was not fated to happen, since Rome was founded (according to the epic poem) by the hero Aeneas."Jerusalem", the wellknown hymn based on the poem "And did those feet in ancient time" by William Blake, conains the line,

Bring me my Spear: O clouds unfold: Bring me my Chariot of fire!For more information, see Chariots of Fire.

Chariots of Fire is a 1981 film, directed by Hugh Hudson. It explores the selection of the 1924 British Olympic team, their preparation, exploits and their eventual accomplishments.