Abstract

Alkman's Partheneion contains so many obscure details that even the elucidation of a single point seems worth while. It is proposed to show that the Kolaxaian horse, , hitherto identified as the typical Skythian horse,1 is an altogether different breed, specifically associated with Skythian royalty. Context. The Partheneion mentions four breeds: The winged dream horse, the Enetic courser, and, together, the Ibenian and Kolaxaian . Not one of these breeds has, as yet, been definitely identified. All of them are, however, exotic breeds, and this regardless of whether the Enetic is a Venetic or a Paphlagonian steed, the Ibenian a horse of Keltic or of Ionian origin, and the Kolaxaian a Skythian steppe pony or some other Skythian breed. Other exotic elements are Lydian coifs and the Xanthos river