Classical Studies 2300 Lecture Notes - Lecture 5: Grappling Hold, Ludi, Cella

• School: Western University
• Department: Classical Studies
• Course: Classical Studies 2300
• Professor: Kelly Olson

Document Summary

Not quite true: practiced boxing, running, and wrestling since the 6th c bce: incorporated into blood sports when set was being changed. Athletics contests were held in the circus (not stadion solely for these sports like the. Philostratus" treatise 3rd c ce on roman athletics. Most popular athletic event because it was very dangerous: greek world, athletics practiced by citizens, however in roman world boxers were infames citizens did not practice looked down on). Free men practiced boxing in private palaetrae (exercise yard for romans). Never reached the heights of popularity that bloodsports did despite the fact that boxing was fairly dangerous. Athletic contests part of ludi and munera: part of religious festivals and amphitheatrical events. Not known how the contests were put on. If one opponent was on the floor, the fight would continue with direct punches to the head.