Chapter 2 - What’s New in Hellenistic Athletics?

Summary

In order to gain a better understanding of the organizational and infrastructural framework in which Hellenistic athletes operated, this chapter offers an overview on new developments in the field of athletics. Such new developments most notably included an enlargement of the agonistic landscape, important building programs in the athletic facilities of the major sanctuaries, and an expansion in the program of sporting events that were generally designed to become more spectacular and entertaining. The period also saw the heyday of the gymnasion and new forms of victory prizes. Fines against corruption were expanded and prospective talent promotion set in in the third century. What emerges is the picture of an innovative period in the history of ancient athletics.