battle with the Centaurs: — One of the stories told about Theseus was a battle between the Centaurs and the Lapithae people at the wedding feast of Theseus' friend Pirothous, where the Centaurs attempted to carry off the bride, Hippodamia. Finally, thanks chiefly to Theseus, who was among the guests, the Centaurs were driven off. To the ancients and to the Renaissance the theme symbolized the victory of civilization over barbarism and was used to decorate Greek temples.
The Battle of Centaurs and Lapiths at Hippodamia's Wedding by Schloss Sanssouci 1667
