all out fight; the anything goes event
added to olympic games in 648 BC
rules
no biting
no gouging
technique
evidence
Philostratus (Miller 31)
vase paintings
severe brutality
Arrichion (Miller 30)
inscriptions describing deaths
Images from lecture
5th century red figure vase: pankratiast gouges his opponent; note referee at right
5th century black figure vase: pankratiast raises his finger in submission
5th century black figure vase: pankratiast kicks his opponent, who counters with a leg hold
6th century black figure vase: pankratiast scores a decisive blow with his fist
6th century black figure vase: pankratiast holds and hits his opponent
Hellenistic scultpure: Pankratiasts struggle on the ground
This page last updated by Ben Dollar on October 1, 2000.