by Michael O'Kane | Feb 1, 2021 | Sports
Ancient Greek wrestling, also known as palé, was the first combat sport of the ancient Olympic Games, being introduced in 708 BC. Wrestling was practiced in two main forms, one being ‘upright’ wrestling and the other ‘ground’ or ‘rolling’ wrestling. While there is no...
by Michael O'Kane | Feb 1, 2021 | Sports
Pankration, meaning ‘all force’ or ‘all powers’, was a combat sport combining wrestling and boxing which was introduced to the Olympics. In this form of fighting, everything except biting, gouging and attacking the genitals was permitted. However, because the...
by Michael O'Kane | Feb 1, 2021 | Sports
Boxing became an Olympic event in 688 BC but, in this early form, it must have been a raw experience for the fighters involved. Known as ‘Pyx’ (with clenched fist), Greek boxing had no rounds, no breaks and only ended when a fighter was forced into submission by the...
