The Buildings:
Olympia Gymnasion
The two buildings that were important during training for the athletes were the gymnasion and the palaistra. They could be found in every city, and some were very large. They each had distinct architectural form however their purpose was so intertwined that in ancient times, one word was usually used to describe both buildings (Miller 176).
Gymnasion
This building was constructed during the 2nd century BC and stood adjacent to the Palaistra. This is where athletes practiced running as well as some of the pentathlon events. As well as time grew on, the Gymnasion became connected with education and medicine (Miller 180).
Palaistra
This is where training for combat and jumping events took place. Palaistra were often privately owned so in order to use the facility you had to be a member. The Palaistra at Olympia was built in the 3rd century BC. It was a courtyard sourrounded by colonnades. There are many rooms within the Palaistra such as the "korykeion (punching-bag room), the konisterion (powder room), and the loutron (bath)" (Miller 177). As well, there is the elaiothesion (oil storing room).
Gymnasion
This building was constructed during the 2nd century BC and stood adjacent to the Palaistra. This is where athletes practiced running as well as some of the pentathlon events. As well as time grew on, the Gymnasion became connected with education and medicine (Miller 180).
Palaistra
This is where training for combat and jumping events took place. Palaistra were often privately owned so in order to use the facility you had to be a member. The Palaistra at Olympia was built in the 3rd century BC. It was a courtyard sourrounded by colonnades. There are many rooms within the Palaistra such as the "korykeion (punching-bag room), the konisterion (powder room), and the loutron (bath)" (Miller 177). As well, there is the elaiothesion (oil storing room).
The People:
Hellanodikai:
(Herrmann 126-127)
- The judges of the ancient olympic games
- It was their duty to maintain the standards of the games and uphold the rules.
- They supervised individual events with a head supervisor, the Hellanodikos, who worked as an overseer.
- They were handpicked from the people of Elis, the region responsible for the running of the Olympic games.
- One type of athletic trainer
- Taught specific athletic skills to the competitors that were necessary for the competition.
- Another type of athletic trainer
- Equal to a personal trainer
- Men who could afford it would likely hire their own specialist, a paidotribai.
- Responsible for the intellectual education of youths.
- Medically skilled trainers.
- Responsible for applying massages to the competitors as well as providing them with diet therapies.
(Herrmann 126-127)
Diet and exercise:
Trainers had their competitors try various types of diets. In the early years they tried a dried figs, moist cheese and wheat diet. But then diets transcended into all meat after the recommendation by a trainer named Pythagoras. Hippocrates in later years, considered cheese a wicked food because it would not keep in a hot climate. In order to build bulk, Galen suggested that beans, fruit, fish and vegetables were important.
Many arguments about the pros and cons of sexual activity during training for the competitions. Some have mentioned that they have never touched anyone, woman or boy during their training for the games. As well others have argued that sex was always unhealthy but less harmful during certain parts of the year. However, this has not stopped the general tradition of older men seeking young love amongst the athletes within the gymnasion (Swaddling 47).
No evidence exists of performance-enhancing drugs but one could argue that because herbal medications were used both often and freely, it was doubtful that any medication at all was actually banned (49).
Many arguments about the pros and cons of sexual activity during training for the competitions. Some have mentioned that they have never touched anyone, woman or boy during their training for the games. As well others have argued that sex was always unhealthy but less harmful during certain parts of the year. However, this has not stopped the general tradition of older men seeking young love amongst the athletes within the gymnasion (Swaddling 47).
No evidence exists of performance-enhancing drugs but one could argue that because herbal medications were used both often and freely, it was doubtful that any medication at all was actually banned (49).