IMPORTANCE

SITE

OLYMPIAD

RULES

ATHLETIC EVENTS

Boxing

Javelin

Pentathlon

Discus

Jumping

Running

Equestrian contests

Pankration

Rules

Characteristics

Wrestling

Messengers/Trumpeters

OLYMPIC VICTORS

ART

Pankration

The pankration was considered to be a heavy event and was introduced in the Olympic events for men in 648 BC, in the 33rd Olympic Games. Boys' pankration became an Olympic event in 200 BC, in the 145th Olympiad. The Greeks believed that the pankration was founded by the hero Theseus, who combined wrestling and boxing together in order to defeat the Minotaur in the labyrinth at Knossos. It was considered as one of the most interesting and dangerous events since it combined boxing punches and wrestling holds offering the spectators a spectacle with quick scenes and frequent takedowns. According to the writer Philostratus, boxing was an excellent training exercise for warriors.

 

Topography:
Short description of the monuments at ancient Olympia

3D reconstructions:
Some of the most important buildings in ancient Olympia rendered in three-dimensions.

VRML:
3D reconstruction of the Temple of Zeus in ancient Olympia.

Other games:
Short reference on other famous contests in ancient Greece

In the first person:
Young Ariston shares his experience in the Olympic Games

Olympic victors:
Database of the ancient Olympic victors based on each athletic event and each Olympiad

Specimen sources

Bibliography