Wrestling

Table of Contents

• Origin
• Variations
• Rules of the Game
• Characteristics of a Good Wrestler
• Additional Information

Origin

The first recorded Olympic wrestling match occurred in the Sparta Olympics in 708 B.C.. Wrestling was highly valued as a form of military exercise without weapons. Eventually the importance of this ancient sport transformed hand to hand combat into an art rather than a show of might and build. There were two distinct versions of the game, differing according to the holds and the methods of deciding the victor.

Variations

Upright and Proper Wrestling

The object of this type of wrestling was simply to throw the opponent to the ground.Three falls constituted a loss for that opponent, and the winner was called the "triakter". Any touch of the back, shoulders or hip was considered a fall. The match continued without intervals until one man emerged victorious.

Ground Wrestling

Victory in this competition depended on one competitor acknowledging defeat. Defeat was indicated by raising one's right hand with the index finger pointed.

Rules of the Game

1) Blows were not allowed.

2) Tripping was permitted.

3) No biting or gouging was allowed.

4) There was no weight distinction.

The wrestlers were anointed with olive oil then dusted with powder to make them easier to grasp. The competition took place in the "keroma", or beeswax, a muddy and sticky arena.

Characteristics of a Good Wrestler

Since there was no provision for weight in the Olympics, it is obvious that the sport required a strong and stout build. A special combination of agility, skill and craft were also necessary.

Additional Information

With five victories at Olympia, perhaps the most famous and successful of Olympic wrestlers was Milo. When attempting his sixth Olympic victory at forty years old, he was finally beaten by a younger man.