The Isthmia, held in the sanctuary of Poseidon on the Isthmus of Corinth from 582 BC, belongs to the períodos (περίοδος, circulation) of the Panhellenic agons. Myths connect the founding of the Isthmic Games with funeral games for the drowned Melicertes (Paus. 2,1,3) or with Theseus (Plut. Thes. 11e) [1]. Archaeological finds for athletic competitions do not precede the 6th cent. BC [2. (jumping-weight); 1. 76 (chariot)]. As early as 229 BC, the Romans were permitted to take part in the Isthmia ou…
Isthmia(568 words)
Cite this page
Decker, Wolfgang (Cologne), “Isthmia”, in: Brill’s New Pauly, Antiquity volumes edited by: Hubert Cancik and , Helmuth Schneider, English Edition by: Christine F. Salazar, Classical Tradition volumes edited by: Manfred Landfester, English Edition by: Francis G. Gentry. Consulted online on 02 December 2023 <http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/1574-9347_bnp_e528380>
First published online: 2006
First print edition: 9789004122598, 20110510
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