Chariot

a historic vehicle consisting of a low axle, two wheels, a pole, and a box open behind. The driver stands in the box and guides his steed. The ancient Egyptians and Assyrians understood the making of elaborate chariots with spoked wheels, as depicted on their monuments. Achilles tied the body of Hector to his chariot and dragged it about the walls of Troy. The Egyptians pursued the children of Israel with chariots. Strong blades or knives were affixed to the wheels of war chariots to cause havoc in the ranks of the enemy. Chariot races were a favorite amusement among the ancients. A spirited account of such a race is given by Lew Wallace in Ben Hur. See Carriage