Evidence for Ancient Events

VISUAL EVIDENCE

ART

ARCHAEOLOGY

WRITTEN EVIDENCE

LITERATURE

INSCRIPTIONS

RUNNING

RUNNING EVENTS

StadeDiaulosDolichosHoplitodromosHippiosLampadedromiabut 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)"ápite" (GO)

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 centerPhotograph by Maria Daniels, courtesy of Harvard University Art Museums

MarathonThe 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 TermsDo you remember what they mean?

STADEDIAULOSHIPPIOSDOLICHOSHOPLITODROMOSLAMPADEDROMIABALBISKAMPTERAPHETESHYSPLEX

Relief of running hoplite soldier found in Athens 500 BC

How accurate is this drawing?