By approximately 5th century, Herodotus was reporting the widespread use of chariots by the Sigynnae in the in the Pontic-Caspian steppe (Histories, 5. 9). Chariots were also a common mode of transportation for the Greek Gods themselves. According to Greek myths, Helios, the sun god, would drive his chariot across the sky bringing on a new day, until his son Phaethon took it without permission and lost control of the horses, causing natural disaster on Earth. Another god who was commonly depicted riding in a chariot was Dionysus. In later Greek times, his cart was thought to be drawn by centaurs.
Centaurs were a prominent motif in Ancient Greek mythology and art, with earliest depictions dating to the 10th century BC, from Lefkandi. Centaurs existed in the space between civilisation and the wild natural world. They were best known for their fight (centauromachy) with the Lapiths, which resulted from their attempt to carry off the bride of Pirithous, son and successor of Ixion. They lost the battle and were driven from Mount Pelion.
Often associated with violence and debauchery, they appeared as natural retinue for the god of drunkeness and revelry. A centaur fitting, like this fine example, decorating a chariot would have conveyed the opulence and god-like nature of the owner.
