Ancient Greek Sports and Athletic Competitions: Key Terms and Concepts

What does 'gymnikos agōn' refer to?

An athletic competition.

What type of competition is 'hippikos agōn'?

An equestrian competition.

Define 'mousikos agōn'.

A musical competition.

What is 'palē' in the context of ancient Greek sports?

Wrestling.

What does 'orthia palē' mean?

'Upright wrestling'.

What is 'pyx' in ancient Greek athletics?

Boxing.

What does 'pankration' mean?

'All powerful' - a mixed martial art combining boxing and wrestling.

What is the significance of the 'skamma' in athletic competitions?

It is the area where athletes competed, often prepared with sand.

What role did the 'Hellanodikai' play in the ancient Olympic Games?

They were the judges overseeing the competitions.

What is the process for selecting competitors in wrestling and pankration?

Lots are drawn from a silver urn to determine matchups.

What does 'akoniti' mean?

'Dustless' - referring to a bye in competition.

What does 'anephedros' signify in the context of competition?

Winning without a bye, which is a matter of pride.

What does 'konis' refer to in ancient athletics?

Dust sprinkled on the body after oiling.

What is a 'stlengis'?

An implement for scraping off oil, dirt, and sweat from the body.

What does 'systasis' mean in wrestling?

'Standing together' - also known as the 'ram' position.

What is the role of a 'paidotribēs'?

A physical education instructor, coach, or trainer.

How is a winner determined in ancient Greek wrestling?

First to score three falls against an opponent or force a submission.

What does 'ephedros' mean?

'On the seat' - referring to a competitor who is actively engaged.

What is the significance of the 'red figure kylix' from Attic c. 480 BCE?

It depicts scenes from ancient athletic competitions.

What does 'palē' signify in the context of ancient Greek sports?

It is the term for wrestling.

What is the importance of the 'stadium' in ancient Greece?

It is the venue for athletic competitions.

What does 'pankration' combine?

Elements of both boxing and wrestling.

What does 'anephedros' imply about an athlete's performance?

It indicates winning without needing a bye, showcasing skill.

What is the role of the 'alytarches' during competitions?

A chief official who examines the lots drawn by competitors.

What does 'konis' represent in the context of athletic preparation?

Dust used by athletes to enhance grip and performance.

What is a kylix?

A type of ancient Greek cup, often used for drinking wine.

What period does the red figure kylix from Attic c. 425 BCE belong to?

Classical period of ancient Greece.

What is an armlock in wrestling?

A technique used to control an opponent's arm, often leading to a submission.

What is the significance of the fragmentary papyrus from Oxyrhynchus?

It contains a series of wrestling instructions from the second century CE.

What does the verb 'plexon' mean in the context of wrestling?

To weave, intertwine, or tangle; it suggests mixing it up in wrestling.

Who was Anacharsis and what was his observation about Greek wrestling?

A Scythian philosopher who was surprised by the wrestling customs of the Greeks.

What reasons did Solon give for the use of mud and dust in wrestling?

To prevent injuries from hard falls and to increase grip during matches.

What is the purpose of oil in ancient Greek wrestling?

To make the wrestlers slippery, making it harder for opponents to grip.

What did Philostratus say about the Spartans and boxing?

Boxing was invented by Spartans to train for combat without helmets.

What physical attributes did Philostratus recommend for a boxer?

Long hands, solid forearms, strong shoulders, and a contracted stomach.

What is the significance of the bronze head from a statue of an athlete?

It likely represents a wrestler from the Etruscan period (300-250 BCE).

What does the term 'pankration' refer to?

An ancient Greek martial art combining elements of boxing and wrestling.

What was the role of sand in wrestling pits?

To provide a firmer grip and prevent slipping during matches.

What does Lucian's dialogue reveal about the perception of wrestling in ancient Greece?

It highlights the contrast between the initial oiling ritual and the subsequent roughness of wrestling.

What is a situla?

A type of ancient container, often used for ceremonial purposes, sometimes depicting wrestling scenes.

What is the historical context of the boxing practices described by Philostratus?

Boxing was practiced by Spartans for combat training and was considered a noble sport.

What is the significance of the red figure aryballos from Attic c. 485 BCE?

It is a type of vase used for storing oil, often associated with athletes.

What does the term 'gymnasticus' refer to in Philostratus's writings?

It refers to the study or practice of physical training and sports.

What was the purpose of the deep layer of sand in wrestling pits?

To reduce slipperiness and provide a better grip for wrestlers.

How did ancient Greeks view the relationship between wrestling and military training?

Wrestling was seen as essential for developing skills useful in warfare.

What does the term 'black figure amphora' refer to?

A type of ancient Greek pottery characterized by black figures painted on a red background.

What was the role of sweat and oil in wrestling matches?

They made wrestlers slippery, complicating the ability to grip opponents.

What does the dialogue between Anacharsis and Solon illustrate about cultural practices?

It shows the outsider's perspective on Greek customs and the rationale behind them.

What is the significance of the bronze situla with a frieze of wrestling combats?

It illustrates the importance of wrestling in Roman Gaul culture (c. 75-100 CE).

What does the term 'pyx' refer to in the context of ancient sports?

A container used for storing boxing gloves or related equipment.

Who wrote satirical epigrams about boxing?

Lucillius

What is the significance of the name 'Olympicus' in Lucillius's epigram?

It is an invented name for an athlete celebrating the physical damage from boxing.

What did Olympicus lose as a result of boxing?

His nose, chin, eyebrow, little ears, and eyelids.

What is the term for the softer practice gloves used in boxing?

Sphairai (or episphairai)

What are himantes?

Light thongs wound around the hand for boxing.

What is a caestus?

Gloves reinforced with iron or lead used in boxing.

Who is Onomastos of Smyrna?

The first victor in boxing at Olympia and traditionally devised the rules.

What does Plutarch suggest about a politician's demeanor?

He should adopt a mild manner and avoid anger, similar to boxing practice.

What was the purpose of the gloves (episphairai) in boxing according to Plutarch?

To ensure that the contest does not turn fatal by allowing soft and painless blows.

What change in boxing glove style does Philostratus describe?

The modern gloves are made from hides of the fattest cattle and are sharper.

Why were pigskin gloves excluded from the stadia?

They were considered painful and hard to heal.

What does Plato's Laws suggest about the training of citizens?

Athletic training, especially boxing, is important for producing fit men for military service.

What practice did boxers engage in to prepare for contests?

They practiced combat daily, often using padded gloves or shadow boxing.

What happened to the boxer Kreugas at the Nemean Games?

He was awarded the crown posthumously after being killed by Damoxenus.

What type of gloves did boxers use before the introduction of sharp thongs?

Soft gloves that left the fingers exposed.

What is the significance of the black figure amphora from Attic c. 530 BCE?

It depicts scenes related to boxing and athletic competitions in ancient Greece.

What is a bronze 'Boxer at Rest'?

A Hellenistic sculpture from c. 300-50 BCE representing a boxer.

What does the term 'red figure krater' refer to?

A type of ancient Greek pottery used for mixing wine and water, often depicting athletic scenes.

What is the historical context of the terracotta caricature from Asia Minor?

It represents the Hellenistic era and reflects the culture of boxing.

What does the term 'Panathenaic amphora' signify?

A large ceramic vessel awarded as a prize at the Panathenaic Games.

What is the significance of the bronze steelyard weight from the Roman 1st-3rd century CE?

It reflects the material culture and practices related to boxing in ancient Rome.

What does the term 'mosaic floor' refer to in the context of boxing?

A decorative floor depicting boxing combat, such as the one between Dares and Entellus.

What was the role of leather thongs in boxing according to Eustathius?

They contributed to the boxer's blows and kept the fingers together for better impact.

What does the term 'black figure amphora' indicate?

A style of ancient Greek pottery characterized by black figures against a red background.

What is the significance of the black figure amphora from Attic c. 575-525 BCE?

It illustrates the athletic culture and practices of ancient Greece.

What does the term 'red figure kylix' refer to?

A type of ancient Greek drinking cup often decorated with scenes of athletic competitions.

What was the agreement between Kreugas and Damoxenus during their boxing match?

They agreed to take turns striking each other.

What type of gloves did boxers use in ancient times?

Soft gloves binding them under the hollow of the hand, leaving fingers exposed.

What was the outcome of the boxing match between Kreugas and Damoxenus?

Kreugas died from a blow to the gut, and victory was awarded to him posthumously.

Who was Polydeukes?

The son of Zeus and Leda, known for his boxing skills.

What challenge did Amykos present to Polydeukes?

A boxing match before allowing him to drink from the spring.

What was the reward for winning the boxing match against Amykos?

The opportunity to drink from the spring.

How did Polydeukes gain an advantage in his fight against Amykos?

He outwitted Amykos by using the sunlight to blind him.

What was the result of the boxing match between Polydeukes and Amykos?

Polydeukes defeated Amykos, who was left bloodied and unable to continue.

What is pankration?

A mixed martial art combining boxing and wrestling techniques.

What did Lucian's Anacharsis describe about pankration matches?

Athletes fought by hitting and kicking each other, often resulting in injury.

Who was Sostratos of Sicyon?

A pankratiast known for his unique technique of breaking opponents' fingers.

What notable victories did Sostratos achieve?

He had twelve victories at Nemea and Isthmia, and two at Delphi.

What happened to Arrhachion during his pankration match?

He died from a stranglehold but was declared the winner after his opponent surrendered.

What did the Eleans do after Arrhachion's death in combat?

They crowned his corpse and declared him the winner of the match.

What is the significance of the statue of Arrhachion in Phigalia?

It commemorates his victories and the circumstances of his death in combat.

What was the typical style of statues depicting athletes like Arrhachion?

Archaic in style, with feet not far apart and arms hanging down.

What does the term 'Hellanodikai' refer to?

The judges or officials of the ancient Olympic Games.

What does the term 'pankration' literally mean?

A combination of 'pan' (all) and 'kratos' (strength or power), meaning 'all powers'.

What was the typical outcome for boxers who lost a match in ancient times?

They often faced severe injury or death, as seen in the matches described.

What materials were used to create the boxing gloves in ancient times?

Thin thongs of raw oxhide plaited together.

What was the cultural significance of boxing and pankration in ancient Greece?

They were popular sports that showcased physical prowess and were often linked to honor and competition.

How did Polydeukes demonstrate his skill against Amykos?

By skillfully evading attacks and landing precise blows.

What does the phrase 'fearsome to challenge at boxing' imply about Polydeukes?

It indicates his reputation and skill level in the sport.

What was the role of spectators during the boxing matches?

They cheered for their favored competitors and encouraged the fighters.