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[475] The ἐπιδιφριάς is not elsewhere mentioned. It is perhaps the name for the post which stood upright in the front of the ancient chariot, both Greek and Assyrian, and served partly as a support to the driver, partly as the point of attachment of the “ζυγόδεσμον” (see on 24.268 ff.). πυμάτης may then mean ‘the bottom,’ the portion of the ‘post’ to which horses would most naturally be tethered. Possibly, however, the “ἐπιδιφριάς” may mean no more than the breastwork of the “δίφρος”, the reins being tied as usual to the “ἄντυξ” which formed part of it. For ἐξ there is an old and absurd variant “ἕξ. ἱμᾶσι”, probably reins, as 23.324; some take it to mean special straps for the purpose.

The Iliad, edited, with apparatus criticus, prolegomena, notes, and appendices. Walter Leaf. London. Macmillan. 1900.

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