A fight between a human Lapith and a Centaur metope from the Parthenon c BC The sculpted decoration of the Parthenon included ninetytwo metopes rectangular slabs which alternate with triglyphs above the architrave showing scenes of mythical battle Those on the south flank of the temple included a series featuring human Lapiths in mortal combat with Centaurs The Centaurs were part man and part horse thus having a civil and a savage side to their nature The Lapiths a neighbouring Greek tribe made the mistake of giving the Centaurs wine at the marriage feast of their king Peirithoos The Centaurs attempted to rape the women with their leader Eurytion trying to carry off the bride A general battle ensued with the Lapiths finally victorious Located in the British Museum