| This relief plaque, entitled "Bellerophon and the Chimaera", was produced around 490-470 BC. The chimaera is a monstrous, fire-breathing creature with the body of a lioness, the head of a goat on its back, and a tail ending in a snake's head. It is perhaps the most bizarre mythical creature and this is why its name has also come to refer to any fanciful creature of the imagination. In ancient Greek myth, the hero Bellerophon kills the chimaera with the help of the magical winged horse Pegasus. The horse on this unique relief plaque is shown without wings. ? The Trustees of the British Museum (2012). |
