Hellanodiken

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The Hellanodiken ( Greek  Ἑλλανοδίκαι , Hellanodikai , literally "Hellenenrichter") were referees at the Olympic Games in antiquity . Their name made it clear that all Greeks were eligible to take part in the games. Hellanodes were also found at the games of Nemea and in the Asclepius sanctuary of Epidaurus . Furthermore, the designation for a judge's office in Sparta is attested.

selection

The Hellanodiks of the Olympic Games belonged to the aristocracy of Elis . They were determined by lot ten months before the start of the competition . In the period that followed, they studied the rules and were thoroughly trained. In the past, the Hellanodikers were allowed to take part in the games themselves. Originally there were only one or two Hellanodiks, their number was reduced in the 4th century BC. Increased to ten (temporarily to twelve). Hellanodics had to be able to demonstrate special qualities. The ability to be impartial, fair and incorruptible was a prerequisite. Occasionally there were rumors about the corruption of individual judges. Such misconduct was punished with fines. From this income further statues of Zeus were built .

tasks

The arrival deadline for participating athletes was 30 days before the start of the festival. During this period, the Hellanodiken tested the fitness of the athletes by observing their public training, and they divided the athletes into age groups (boys and men). Because there was no birth certificate, they did so by eye. Furthermore, the Hellanodiken paid attention to compliance with the hygiene regulations and rules during the competitions. They were free to perform corporal punishment or disqualify athletes in the event of rule violations . The so-called “whip-bearers” were responsible for punishing early starters in the running disciplines .

Well-known Helladoniks

  • Archias, mid 4th century BC. Christ.

literature

Remarks

  1. ↑ Inscriptiones Graecae 4, 587 .
  2. ↑ Inscriptiones Graecae 42, 1, 66 .
  3. ↑ Xenophon , Lakedaimonion politeia 13, 11.
  4. ↑ Pausanias 6:24 , 3.
  5. ↑ Johannes Kirchner : Archias 17a . In: Paulys Realencyclopadie der classischen Antiquity Science (RE). Supplement volume I, Stuttgart 1903, col. 119.