Wrestling, boxing and pankration: introducing the 'heavy events' in Ancient Olympic Games

The Olympic Games in Ancient Greece took place between 776AC and 393AD, based on predominantly religious reasons, the mythological values of that time. We know today fights (wrestling, boxing pankration) were part ancient program, purpose this research is to introduce understand fundamentals led them status. They present Egyptian culture since second millennium BC, well described main works Greece, such as those Homer. Wrestling oldest all, both historical elements introduction into program. It combined strength, technique intelligence. In addition being a combat modality, it was also used an educational element. Boxing appear, appeared environment where same wrestling but respecting specific techniques order strike with hands. And finally pankration, most violent kind combination other two. Despite technical differences, dynamics events very similar, absence division by weight category separation rounds, is, from beginning, fight would only end knockout or opponent giving up. are still program today, pankration can be recognized MMA practice, demonstrating these sports have important role field martial arts, whose foundation we research.