Ancient Greek boxing
The fist fight ( Pygme, Pyx, Pyxmachia, Pygmahia ) is a battle in which two opponents fight each other with their fists. Often, the term fistfight is used to delineate the ancient pugilism of modern pugilism, boxing,. This article refers to the ancient fist fight.
History
The fist fight was in the year 688 BC Olympic discipline at the 23 games of antiquity for the first time. In ancient Rome, the fist fight was shown primarily in gladiator fights ( leather straps with metal spikes ). However, it can not determine exactly how old fist fight really is because of representations from antiquity shows ( Mesopotamia, Egypt, Crete), that similar struggles at that time were held. In the fight hands were used. The fighters long leather straps tied to netlike to hands and forearms with the thumb remained free. On the one hand, the belt should protect the hand, on the other hand make the beats more effectively. See: Caestus.
Competition course
It was hit especially against the sensitive body parts, such as teeth, ears and nose. Rules as the today's boxes there were not, the operation of such a struggle is not comparable with today's boxing. The fighters it was, for example, allowed to jump up and strike from above. A cover as in boxing today, there was not also. Such a fight could take several hours and often lead to serious injury.
The fight was stopped by the show of hands with pointing finger as a sign of defeat. The winner from then on to an underdog, a referee, a step by caning. Such scenes are also known for their depictions on Panathenaic Preisamphoren. In cases where the battle was fatal, killing the fighter was punished. The sport was particularly highly regarded for its danger in Ancient Greece.
Famous people
The most famous pugilist antiquity with over 1000 prices was Theogenes of Thasos (480 BC).
Fist fight in the arts
There is a sitting statue of the pugilist from the Quirinal in Rome, made of bronze. This shows the face consciously incorporated injuries that occur during fist fight.
Similar sports
A combined sport between the rings and the fist fight was formed in Greece, Pankration. Here, however, as the Caestus was fought without bandages.