Terracotta Medallion in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, June 2010

Terracotta Medallion
Roman, Rhone valley ware, late 2nd-early 3rd century AD
Said to have been found at Lugdunum (modern Lyon)

Accession # 17.194.2125

The applique depicts a charioteer in his quadriga, holding the victor's crown and palm branch. In Rome, chariot racing was organized in teams, each identified by a color– red, white, blue, or green. The Latin inscription to the left of the medallion indicates that the victor belongs to the Greens. The Roman circus factions, who supported the different teams, were as fanatical and devoted as modern sports fans.

Text from the Metropolitan Museum of Art label.