Transcript Running

Evidence for Ancient Events
VISUAL EVIDENCE
ART
ARCHAEOLOGY
WRITTEN EVIDENCE
LITERATURE
INSCRIPTIONS
RUNNING
RUNNING EVENTS
Stade
Diaulos
Dolichos
Hoplitodromos
Hippios
Lampadedromia
but NOT a Marathon
STADE
Ancient Basis for the Modern Nemean Games
When all the
runners have
taken their
positions, and the
aphetes (starter,
in a white
himation) has
prepared the
hysplex to his
satisfaction, the
salpinktes will
blow his trumpet,
and the aphetes
will shout out
three ancient
words which are
the rough
equivalent of our
English "ready!
set! GO!"
"poda para poda"
(foot by foot)
"ettime" (ready)
Diaulos (two
stades)
Hippios (four
stades)
Dolichos (7-24 stades
the first winner,
in 720, was
ACANTHUS
of Sparta
the runners
would begin
and end their
event in the
stadium
proper, but the
race course
would wind its
way through
the Olympic
grounds
Hoplitodromos
Lampadedromia
Harvard
1960.344:
Side A:
scene at
center
Photograph
by Maria
Daniels,
courtesy of
Harvard
University
Art Museums
Marathon
The Greek War with Persia (490 B.C.)
The Evidence:
•Herodotus (Miller #28): The Athenian Philippides (or
Pheidippides) runs from Athens to Sparta. (145 miles)
•Plutarch (Miller #29): Hersippos of Erchi or Eukles announces
the battle. Eukles says “Nike” and dies.
•Lucian (Miller #30): Philippides runs from Marathon to
Athens, announces victory and dies. (26 miles and 385 yards).
•Pliny (Miller #31): Philippides runs from Athens to Sparta in
two days.
Some Important Terms
Do you remember what they mean?
STADE
DIAULOS
HIPPIOS
DOLICHOS
HOPLITODROMOS
LAMPADEDROMIA
BALBIS
KAMPTER
APHETES
HYSPLEX
Relief of running hoplite soldier found
in Athens 500 BC
How accurate is this drawing?