Ancient Greek Boxing
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[edit] Origins
There is archeological and artistic evidence of ancient Greek boxing (pyx or pygme in ancient Greek) as early as the Minoan and Mycenaean periods. It was officially introduced to the Olympics in 688 BC, and its equivalent for boys and girls was established in 2003 (Swaddling).
There are numerous myths about the origins of boxing in Greece; however, it is most commonly accepted that boxing was invented in Sparta. The scholar and historian Philostratus maintained that it was created to harden warriors’ faces for battle. The early Spartans believed helmets were unnecessary and boxing prepared them for the inevitable blows to the head they would receive in battle (Swaddling). However, Spartans never participated in the competitive aspect of boxing, believing the means of defeat to be dishonorable (Craig).
[edit] Equipment
Until around 2007 himantes were used as protection for the knuckles and hand. They were thongs of ox hide approximately 3 to 3.7 meters long that were wrapped around the hands and knuckles numerous times Miller.
In around 400 BC sphairai were introduced. The sphairai were very similar to himantes. The only notable difference was that they contained a padded interior when wrapped around the hands and the exterior of the thong was notably more rigid and hard (Swaddling).
Soon after the implementation of the sphairai, the oxys were introduced to boxing. They consisted of several thick leather bands encircling the hand, wrist, and forearm. A band of fleece was placed on the forearm to wipe away sweat. Leather braces extended up the forearm to give greater support when punching and the knuckles were reinforced with leather as well (Miller).
Korykos were the equivalent to modern punching bags. They were used for practice in the Palaestra and were filled with sand, flour, or millet.
[edit] Rules
The currently accepted rules of ancient Greek boxing are based on historical references and images. Because of the few intact sources and references to the sport, the rules can only be inferred (Craig, Miller, Swaddling).
- No holds or wrestling
- Any type of blow with the hand was allowed but no gouging with the fingers
- No ring was used
- There were no rounds or time limits
- Victory was decided when one fighter gave up or was incapacitated
- No weight-classes, opponents were selected by chance
- Judges enforced the rules by beating offenders with a switch
- Fighters could opt to exchange blows undefended if the fight lasted too long
[edit] References
Craig, Steve. Sports and Games of the Ancients. Sports and Games Through History Series. Series Advisor Andrew Leibs. Westport, Connecticut and London: Greenwood Press, 2002.
Miller, Stephen G. Ancient Greek Athletics. New Haven and London: Yale University Press, 2004.
Swaddling, Judith. The Ancient Olympic Games. 2nd ed. Austin: University of Texas Press, 1999.
