This book offers an in-depth exploration of pankration, the ancient Greek martial art that combined striking, grappling, and submission techniques into a single, dynamic discipline. Drawing from historical, mythological, and archaeological sources, it provides a comprehensive understanding of how this sport evolved, thrived, and left a lasting legacy on both ancient and modern combat sports. The introduction sets the stage by defining what pankration was, examining why it remains relevant today, and explaining the ...
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This book offers an in-depth exploration of pankration, the ancient Greek martial art that combined striking, grappling, and submission techniques into a single, dynamic discipline. Drawing from historical, mythological, and archaeological sources, it provides a comprehensive understanding of how this sport evolved, thrived, and left a lasting legacy on both ancient and modern combat sports. The introduction sets the stage by defining what pankration was, examining why it remains relevant today, and explaining the sources of knowledge that inform our understanding of this ancient art. It delves into how texts, artifacts, and modern research have helped reconstruct its techniques and cultural significance. Part I focuses on the origins of pankration, tracing its roots in Greek mythology and its connection to heroic figures like Heracles and Theseus. It explores how the art was influenced by the warrior ethos of ancient Greece and highlights early mentions of pankration in literature, offering insights into how its name and meaning evolved over time. In Part II , the book shifts to pankration's prominence in the ancient Olympic Games. It discusses its official introduction in 648 BCE and how the event was received by athletes and spectators. This section breaks down the rules and regulations that governed competitions, explores the techniques and training methods used by athletes, and provides a vivid picture of the spectacle pankration created in stadiums, including its cultural significance and fan reactions. Part III examines the champions and legacy of pankration. It profiles some of the most celebrated pankratiasts of antiquity, recounting their legendary feats and achievements. The section also considers how pankration shaped Greek identity and the ways it was practiced by philosophers, soldiers, and athletes who balanced physical skill with intellectual discipline. Additionally, it details pankration's applications in military training and on the battlefield, emphasizing its practicality and versatility. Part IV traces Pankration's decline and eventual revival. It discusses the fall of the ancient Olympic Games and how cultural shifts, including the rise of Roman influence and the spread of new religious ideologies, contributed to the art's marginalization. This section then explores modern efforts to resurrect pankration, including the role of archaeology, historical research, and the adaptation of techniques for contemporary martial arts. The influence of pankration on today's combat sports is highlighted, alongside ongoing efforts to bring the art back into practice. The conclusion reflects on the enduring lessons from pankration's history and its lasting appeal as both a martial art and a symbol of human ingenuity. Finally, the appendices offer useful supplementary materials, including a glossary of key terms, a timeline of pankration's development in ancient Greece, and records of notable Olympic champions. A well-researched bibliography provides readers with access to both ancient and modern sources, making the book a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history of martial arts, ancient sports, or Greek culture. This comprehensive guide not only celebrates the legacy of pankration but also connects its timeless principles to the modern world, making it an engaging and enlightening read for martial artists, historians, and enthusiasts alike.
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Add this copy of Pankration: The Ancient Combat Sport of the Greeks: A to cart. $14.48, new condition, Sold by Ingram Customer Returns Center rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from NV, USA, published 2025 by Independently Published.
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New. Print on demand Trade paperback (US). Glued binding. 162 p. Mastering the Art of Combat: A Systematic Approach to Learning, Understanding, and Excelling in Mart, 9.
Add this copy of Pankration: the Ancient Combat Sport of the Greeks: a to cart. $19.68, new condition, Sold by Just one more Chapter, ships from Miramar, FL, UNITED STATES, published 2025 by Independently published.
