(Doric σπάδιον/spádion). Greek unit of length equal to 6 pléthra (pléthron; cf. Hdt. 2,149,3) or 600 pous (foot). Depending on the underlying standard of the foot (pous), this corresponds to a length of c. 162-210 m; the Attic stadion is equal to 186 m. The stadion for the race at Olympia had a length of 192.3 m, at Delphi 177.3 m, at Epidaurus 181.3 m, and at Athens 184.3 m. 8 stadia correspond approximately to 1 Roman mile (mille passus) of 1500 m.
In Greek…
Cite this page
Schulzki, Heinz-Joachim (Mannheim),
Decker, Wolfgang (Cologne) and
Höcker, Christoph (Kissing),
“Stadion”, 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 21 May 2022 <http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/1574-9347_bnp_e1120460>