Horses and Mules in the Ancient Olympics
Curated by Theodore Antikas, DVM, PhD

MAY 2016 - OCTOBER 2016

Attic black figured oinochoe from Corinth, ca. 500 BC, National Archaeological Museum, Athens. The beardless charioteer holding a ‘’kentron’’ [whip] has just turned the horses around the white pillar, which was the most dangerous point of the course.
Image courtesy of Theodore Antikas, DVM, PhD

Tethrippon Teleion

The horses were yoked side by side in a single line with the fastest horse on the right-hand side facing the outside of the track, as he had to run a greater distance. Some horses were branded with archaic letters (such as koppa or sigma) on their necks, heads or thighs and were called koppaties and samforoi. The race required twelve laps, with each lap measuring about 1150 meters; this resulted in an approximate 12 kilometer, or 9 mile, race. Today the maximum distance in trotting races does not exceed two miles, and the driver is seated.

e

Horses and Mules in the Ancient Olympics
Curated by Theodore Antikas, DVM, PhD

MAY 2016 - OCTOBER 2016

Attic black figured oinochoe from Corinth, ca. 500 BC, National Archaeological Museum, Athens. The beardless charioteer holding a ‘’kentron’’ [whip] has just turned the horses around the white pillar, which was the most dangerous point of the course.
Image courtesy of Theodore Antikas, DVM, PhD

The Tethrippon Teleion (quadriga), the most ancient equestrian sport...

The horses were yoked side by side in a single line with the fastest horse on the right-hand side facing the outside of the track, as he had to run a greater distance. Some horses were branded with archaic letters (such as koppa or sigma) on their necks, heads or thighs and were called koppaties and samforoi. The race required twelve laps, with each lap measuring about 1150 meters; this resulted in an approximate 12 kilometer, or 9 mile, race. Today the maximum distance in trotting races does not exceed two miles, and the driver is seated.

Horses and Mules in the Ancient Olympics
Curated by Theodore Antikas, DVM, PhD

The Tethrippon Teleion
The horses were yoked side by side in a single line with the fastest horse on the right-hand side facing the outside of the track, as he had to run a greater distance. Some horses were branded with archaic letters (such as koppa or sigma) on their necks, heads or thighs and were called koppaties and samforoi. The race required twelve laps, with each lap measuring about 1150 meters; this resulted in an approximate 12 kilometer, or 9 mile, race. Today the maximum distance in trotting races does not exceed two miles, and the driver is seated.
Attic black figured oinochoe from Corinth, ca. 500 BC, National Archaeological Museum, Athens. The beardless charioteer holding a ‘’kentron’’ [whip] has just turned the horses around the white pillar, which was the most dangerous point of the course.
Image courtesy of Theodore Antikas, DVM, PhD

Horses and Mules in the Ancient Olympics
Curated by Theodore Antikas, DVM, PhD

MAY 2016 - OCTOBER 2016

Fresco from the “Tomb of the Prince” at Aegae, 4th c. BC. Three fast racing synoris [bigas] in some official festival as the charioteers are dressed. That discipline became very fashionable in Macedonia after the Olympic victories of King Philip II in the keles, tethrippon and synoris races of 356, 352 and 348 BC, respectively.
Image courtesy of Theodore Antikas, DVM, PhD

The Synoris Teleia

The Synoris Teleia This competition, introduced at the 93rd Olympia in 408 BC, required teams of two adult horses. Evagoras, a rich aristocrat of nearby Elis won the first synoris teleia race.

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Horses and Mules in the Ancient Olympics
Curated by Theodore Antikas, DVM, PhD

MAY 2016 - OCTOBER 2016

Fresco from the “Tomb of the Prince” at Aegae, 4th c. BC. Three fast racing synoris [bigas] in some official festival as the charioteers are dressed. That discipline became very fashionable in Macedonia after the Olympic victories of King Philip II in the keles, tethrippon and synoris races of 356, 352 and 348 BC, respectively.
Image courtesy of Theodore Antikas, DVM, PhD

The Synoris Teleia This competition, introduced at the 93rd Olympia in 408 BC...

The Synoris Teleia This competition, introduced at the 93rdOlympia in 408 BC, required teams of two adult horses. Evagoras, a rich aristocrat of nearby Elis won the first synoris teleia race.

Horses and Mules in the Ancient Olympics
Curated by Theodore Antikas, DVM, PhD

The Synoris Teleia This competition, introduced at the 93rd Olympia in 408 BC, required teams of two adult horses. Evagoras, a rich aristocrat of nearby Elis won the first synoris teleia race.
Fresco from the “Tomb of the Prince” at Aegae, 4th c. BC. Three fast racing synoris [bigas] in some official festival as the charioteers are dressed. That discipline became very fashionable in Macedonia after the Olympic victories of King Philip II in the keles, tethrippon and synoris races of 356, 352 and 348 BC, respectively.
Image courtesy of Theodore Antikas, DVM, PhD

Horses and Mules in the Ancient Olympics
Curated by Theodore Antikas, DVM, PhD

MAY 2016 - OCTOBER 2016

Synoris races were also held in funeral games as early as the 2nd millennium BC and were described in detail by Homer (Iliad.23). A signet ring depicting a biga from the ‘’Aidonia Treasury’’ found at Nemea and dating to the 15th c. BC.
Image courtesy of Theodore Antikas, DVM, PhD

Synoris Teleia

The Synoris Teleia was a shorter race consisting of nine laps for a total distance of about 9 kilometers or 6 miles.

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Horses and Mules in the Ancient Olympics
Curated by Theodore Antikas, DVM, PhD

MAY 2016 - OCTOBER 2016

Synoris races were also held in funeral games as early as the 2nd millennium BC and were described in detail by Homer (Iliad.23). A signet ring depicting a biga from the ‘’Aidonia Treasury’’ found at Nemea and dating to the 15th c. BC.
Image courtesy of Theodore Antikas, DVM, PhD

The Synoris Teleia was a shorter race consisting of nine laps for a total distance of about 9 kilometers or 6 miles.

Horses and Mules in the Ancient Olympics
Curated by Theodore Antikas, DVM, PhD

The Synoris Teleia was a shorter race consisting of nine laps for a total distance of about 9 kilometers or 6 miles.
Synoris races were also held in funeral games as early as the 2nd millennium BC and were described in detail by Homer (Iliad.23). A signet ring depicting a biga from the ‘’Aidonia Treasury’’ found at Nemea and dating to the 15th c. BC.
Image courtesy of Theodore Antikas, DVM, PhD

Horses and Mules in the Ancient Olympics
Curated by Theodore Antikas, DVM, PhD

MAY 2016 - OCTOBER 2016

Mosaic from the House of Helen’s Abduction by Theseus, 325-300 BC, Pella. A rare instance where the young charioteer’s name (ΦΟΡΒΑΣ) is shown. According to the artist, he was the charioteer of Theseus.
Image courtesy of Theodore Antikas, DVM, PhD

Tethrippon Polon

Whereas the tethrippon teleion race used four adult horses, this event used four colts or fillies aged less than two. Yoke horses were called zygioi, the outside seiraphoroi.

Elean judge Troilos won the first tethrippon polon when introduced at the 102nd Olympia in 372 BC. As he was ‘’Hellanodikes’’ he rewarded his own self with the wreath (!), a petty act. He was not punished for cheating, however the judges convened and decided than no judge would be allowed to have his horses compete in any event in the future. Problem solved. And yes, there were instances of cheating in the ancient Olympics, particularly in the ‘’gymnika’’ events. However, there was no doping…

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Horses and Mules in the Ancient Olympics
Curated by Theodore Antikas, DVM, PhD

MAY 2016 - OCTOBER 2016

Mosaic from the House of Helen’s Abduction by Theseus, 325-300 BC, Pella. A rare instance where the young charioteer’s name (ΦΟΡΒΑΣ) is shown. According to the artist, he was the charioteer of Theseus.
Image courtesy of Theodore Antikas, DVM, PhD

The Tethrippon Polon a race used that used four colts...

Whereas the tethrippon teleion race used four adult horses, this event used four colts or fillies aged less than two. Yoke horses were called zygioi, the outside seiraphoroi.

Elean judge Troilos won the first tethrippon polon when introduced at the 102nd Olympia in 372 BC. As he was ‘’Hellanodikes’’ he rewarded his own self with the wreath (!), a petty act. He was not punished for cheating, however the judges convened and decided than no judge would be allowed to have his horses compete in any event in the future. Problem solved. And yes, there were instances of cheating in the ancient Olympics, particularly in the ‘’gymnika’’ events. However, there was no doping…

Horses and Mules in the Ancient Olympics
Curated by Theodore Antikas, DVM, PhD

The Tethrippon Polon Whereas the tethrippon teleion race used four adult horses, this event used four colts or fillies aged less than two. Yoke horses were called zygioi, the outside seiraphoroi.

Elean judge Troilos won the first tethrippon polon when introduced at the 102nd Olympia in 372 BC. As he was ‘’Hellanodikes’’ he rewarded his own self with the wreath (!), a petty act. He was not punished for cheating, however the judges convened and decided than no judge would be allowed to have his horses compete in any event in the future. Problem solved. And yes, there were instances of cheating in the ancient Olympics, particularly in the ‘’gymnika’’ events. However, there was no doping…

Mosaic from the House of Helen’s Abduction by Theseus, 325-300 BC, Pella. A rare instance where the young charioteer’s name (ΦΟΡΒΑΣ) is shown. According to the artist, he was the charioteer of Theseus.
Image courtesy of Theodore Antikas, DVM, PhD

Horses and Mules in the Ancient Olympics
Curated by Theodore Antikas, DVM, PhD

MAY 2016 - OCTOBER 2016

Belistiche of Macedon, Ancient Olympic Victor

Synoris Polon

The last of the main chariot races introduced to the ancient Olympics, synoris polon, required two colts or fillies to race a distance of 3.5 kilometers. The most famous victor in this event was a…woman: Belistiche of Macedon, a lady friend of Ptolemy II, at the 129thOlympia of 264 BC. She had already won the tethrippon teleionrace in the preceding Olympiad and became the most renowned double victor of the times, as young colts are more wild than adult horses in any type of racing.

All horses and colts in the four types of horse-and-chariot races went through a test called ‘’dokimasia’’, namely a qualification and classification process conducted by Elean judges before the races took place.

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Horses and Mules in the Ancient Olympics
Curated by Theodore Antikas, DVM, PhD

MAY 2016 - OCTOBER 2016

Belistiche of Macedon, Ancient Olympic Victor

Synoris Polon
The last of the main chariot races introduced to the ancient Olympics...

The last of the main chariot races introduced to the ancient Olympics, synoris polon, required two colts or fillies to race a distance of 3.5 kilometers. The most famous victor in this event was a…woman: Belistiche of Macedon, a lady friend of Ptolemy II, at the 129thOlympia of 264 BC. She had already won the tethrippon teleionrace in the preceding Olympiad and became the most renowned double victor of the times, as young colts are more wild than adult horses in any type of racing.

All horses and colts in the four types of horse-and-chariot races went through a test called ‘’dokimasia’’, namely a qualification and classification process conducted by Elean judges before the races took place.

Horses and Mules in the Ancient Olympics
Curated by Theodore Antikas, DVM, PhD

The last of the main chariot races introduced to the ancient Olympics, synoris polon, required two colts or fillies to race a distance of 3.5 kilometers. The most famous victor in this event was a…woman: Belistiche of Macedon, a lady friend of Ptolemy II, at the 129thOlympia of 264 BC. She had already won the tethrippon teleionrace in the preceding Olympiad and became the most renowned double victor of the times, as young colts are more wild than adult horses in any type of racing.

All horses and colts in the four types of horse-and-chariot races went through a test called ‘’dokimasia’’, namely a qualification and classification process conducted by Elean judges before the races took place.
Belistiche of Macedon, Ancient Olympic Victor...

Horses and Mules in the Ancient Olympics
Curated by Theodore Antikas, DVM, PhD

MAY 2016 - OCTOBER 2016

Statue of Nero

Dekapolon Harma

This type of chariot race involving ten colts yoked to one chariot happened only once, after a decision taken by the emperor Nero prior to the 211th Olympia in 67 CE. Nero postponed the games two years and built a villa near Olympia to train his colts so as to assure victory in that race. However, he fell from the chariot twice and the panicky spectators helped him remount. At the end of the race, he submitted a weird complaint, namely that he would have won the race if he had not fallen off (!). Naturally the judges awarded him the victor’s wreath as Greeks were afraid of repercussions…

The pompous emperor introduced -- and won -- three more new contests he liked (heralds, tragedians and guitarists) before returning triumphantly to Rome. The most hilarious comment on his multiple victories came from an anonymous Greek, who called Nero ‘’korakou kakofonoteros’’ (Gr: worst voiced than a crow).

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Horses and Mules in the Ancient Olympics
Curated by Theodore Antikas, DVM, PhD

MAY 2016 - OCTOBER 2016

Statue of Nero

Dekapolon Harma This type chariot raced involving ten colts happened only once..

This type of chariot race involving ten colts yoked to one chariot happened only once, after a decision taken by the emperor Nero prior to the 211th Olympia in 67 CE. Nero postponed the games two years and built a villa near Olympia to train his colts so as to assure victory in that race. However, he fell from the chariot twice and the panicky spectators helped him remount. At the end of the race, he submitted a weird complaint, namely that he would have won the race if he had not fallen off (!). Naturally the judges awarded him the victor’s wreath as Greeks were afraid of repercussions…

The pompous emperor introduced -- and won -- three more new contests he liked (heralds, tragedians and guitarists) before returning triumphantly to Rome. The most hilarious comment on his multiple victories came from an anonymous Greek, who called Nero ‘’korakou kakofonoteros’’ (Gr: worst voiced than a crow).

Horses and Mules in the Ancient Olympics
Curated by Theodore Antikas, DVM, PhD

Dekapolon Harma
This type of chariot race involving ten colts yoked to one chariot happened only once, after a decision taken by the emperor Nero prior to the 211th Olympia in 67 CE. Nero postponed the games two years and built a villa near Olympia to train his colts so as to assure victory in that race. However, he fell from the chariot twice and the panicky spectators helped him remount. At the end of the race, he submitted a weird complaint, namely that he would have won the race if he had not fallen off (!). Naturally the judges awarded him the victor’s wreath as Greeks were afraid of repercussions…

The pompous emperor introduced -- and won -- three more new contests he liked (heralds, tragedians and guitarists) before returning triumphantly to Rome. The most hilarious comment on his multiple victories came from an anonymous Greek, who called Nero ‘’korakou kakofonoteros’’ (Gr: worst voiced than a crow).
Statue of Nero

Horses and Mules in the Ancient Olympics
Curated by Theodore Antikas, DVM, PhD

MAY 2016 - OCTOBER 2016

Vase scene depicting two riders probably training for the keles race as they are naked. In every Pan-Hellenic festival [Olympia, Pythia, Isthmia, Nemea] the riders, charioteers and mule cart drivers were dressed.
Image courtesy of Theodore Antikas, DVM, PhD

The Keles Teleios

First introduced at the 33rd Olympia in 648 BCE, the keles was a type of flat race won by the horse of Krauxidas from the Thessalian city-state of Krannon. The race required adult horses to complete twelve laps, which exceeds the modern standard of no more than 1.5 miles.

e

Horses and Mules in the Ancient Olympics
Curated by Theodore Antikas, DVM, PhD

MAY 2016 - OCTOBER 2016

Vase scene depicting two riders probably training for the keles race as they are naked. In every Pan-Hellenic festival [Olympia, Pythia, Isthmia, Nemea] the riders, charioteers and mule cart drivers were dressed.
Image courtesy of Theodore Antikas, DVM, PhD

The Keles Teleios: First introduced at the 33rd Olympia in 648 BCE,...

The Keles Teleios: First introduced at the 33rd Olympia in 648 BCE, the keles was a type of flat race won by the horse of Krauxidas from the Thessalian city-state of Krannon. The race required adult horses to complete twelve laps, which exceeds the modern standard of no more than 1.5 miles.

Horses and Mules in the Ancient Olympics
Curated by Theodore Antikas, DVM, PhD

The Keles Teleios: First introduced at the 33rd Olympia in 648 BCE, the keles was a type of flat race won by the horse of Krauxidas from the Thessalian city-state of Krannon. The race required adult horses to complete twelve laps, which exceeds the modern standard of no more than 1.5 miles.
Vase scene depicting two riders probably training for the keles race as they are naked. In every Pan-Hellenic festival [Olympia, Pythia, Isthmia, Nemea] the riders, charioteers and mule cart drivers were dressed.
Image courtesy of Theodore Antikas, DVM, PhD

Horses and Mules in the Ancient Olympics
Curated by Theodore Antikas, DVM, PhD

MAY 2016 - OCTOBER 2016

A scene from a Panathenaic amphora, ca. 520-500 BC by the Swing painter, London, British Museum. The victorious jockey and his victorious stallion walk proudly behind a herald or judge followed by an ephebe who holds a crown in his left and a tripod award in his right hand. The inscription reads ‘’ΔΥΝΕΙΚΕΤΟΥΙΠΠΟΣΝΙΚΑΙ’’ [The horse of Dyneiketes wins].
Image courtesy of Theodore Antikas, DVM, PhD

The Keles Teleios (continued)

The ‘’anabates’’ (jockeys) were usually young men who rode horses bareback without saddle, stirrups or boots. Their only rewards were red ribbon around the head, arms or legs as the olive wreath was awarded to the owner/breeder of the victorious horse.

e

Horses and Mules in the Ancient Olympics
Curated by Theodore Antikas, DVM, PhD

MAY 2016 - OCTOBER 2016

A scene from a Panathenaic amphora, ca. 520-500 BC by the Swing painter, London, British Museum. The victorious jockey and his victorious stallion walk proudly behind a herald or judge followed by an ephebe who holds a crown in his left and a tripod award in his right hand. The inscription reads ‘’ΔΥΝΕΙΚΕΤΟΥΙΠΠΟΣΝΙΚΑΙ’’ [The horse of Dyneiketes wins].
Image courtesy of Theodore Antikas, DVM, PhD

The Keles Teleios" (con'td): The ‘’anabates’’ (jockeys) were usually young men who rode horses bareback without saddle, stirrups or boots..

The ‘’anabates’’ (jockeys) were usually young men who rode horses bareback without saddle, stirrups or boots. Their only rewards were red ribbon around the head, arms or legs as the olive wreath was awarded to the owner/breeder of the victorious horse.

Horses and Mules in the Ancient Olympics
Curated by Theodore Antikas, DVM, PhD

The Keles Teleios" (con'td): The ‘’anabates’’ (jockeys) were usually young men who rode horses bareback without saddle, stirrups or boots. Their only rewards were red ribbon around the head, arms or legs as the olive wreath was awarded to the owner/breeder of the victorious horse.

A scene from a Panathenaic amphora, ca. 520-500 BC by the Swing painter, London, British Museum. The victorious jockey and his victorious stallion walk proudly behind a herald or judge followed by an ephebe who holds a crown in his left and a tripod award in his right hand. The inscription reads ‘’ΔΥΝΕΙΚΕΤΟΥΙΠΠΟΣΝΙΚΑΙ’’ [The horse of Dyneiketes wins].
Image courtesy of Theodore Antikas, DVM, PhD

Horses and Mules in the Ancient Olympics
Curated by Theodore Antikas, DVM, PhD

MAY 2016 - OCTOBER 2016

A bronze statue of Bucephalas ridden by Alexander the Great found at Herculaneum in 1761, now in the Archaeological Museum of Napoli.
Image courtesy of Theodore Antikas, DVM, PhD

Keles Polon

This flat horse race, was identical to keles teleios, except jockeys rode colts under the age of two years instead of adult horses. The keles polon was introduced at the 131st Olympia in 256 BCE, and the colt bred by Thessalian Hippocrates won the wreath. No surprise. The Thessalians were renowned for breeding good horses and for their unbeatable cavalry. Suffice to remember the most eponymous stallion in history, Bucephalas bred by Philonikos and bought by Philip II for his son Alexander the Great at the incredible price of 13 talents, equivalent to over 330 kilos of gold! The stallion deserved it as he rode over 45,000 km on three continents and lived to be 20. Alexander built a city in far away India to honor him…

e

Horses and Mules in the Ancient Olympics
Curated by Theodore Antikas, DVM, PhD

MAY 2016 - OCTOBER 2016

A bronze statue of Bucephalas ridden by Alexander the Great found at Herculaneum in 1761, now in the Archaeological Museum of Napoli.
Image courtesy of Theodore Antikas, DVM, PhD

The Keles Polon was a flat horse race...

The Keles Polon, a flat horse race, was identical to keles teleios, except jockeys rode colts under the age of two years instead of adult horses. The keles polon was introduced at the 131st Olympia in 256 BCE, and the colt bred by Thessalian Hippocrates won the wreath. No surprise. The Thessalians were renowned for breeding good horses and for their unbeatable cavalry. Suffice to remember the most eponymous stallion in history, Bucephalas bred by Philonikos and bought by Philip II for his son Alexander the Great at the incredible price of 13 talents, equivalent to over 330 kilos of gold! The stallion deserved it as he rode over 45,000 km on three continents and lived to be 20. Alexander built a city in far away India to honor him…

Horses and Mules in the Ancient Olympics
Curated by Theodore Antikas, DVM, PhD

The Keles Polon, a flat horse race, was identical to keles teleios, except jockeys rode colts under the age of two years instead of adult horses. The keles polon was introduced at the 131st Olympia in 256 BCE, and the colt bred by Thessalian Hippocrates won the wreath. No surprise. The Thessalians were renowned for breeding good horses and for their unbeatable cavalry. Suffice to remember the most eponymous stallion in history, Bucephalas bred by Philonikos and bought by Philip II for his son Alexander the Great at the incredible price of 13 talents, equivalent to over 330 kilos of gold! The stallion deserved it as he rode over 45,000 km on three continents and lived to be 20. Alexander built a city in far away India to honor him….
A bronze statue of Bucephalas ridden by Alexander the Great found at Herculaneum in 1761, now in the Archaeological Museum of Napoli.
Image courtesy of Theodore Antikas, DVM, PhD

Horses and Mules in the Ancient Olympics
Curated by Theodore Antikas, DVM, PhD

MAY 2016 - OCTOBER 2016

Black figured krater from Lucania, Italy, ca. 400-375 BC, British Museum. A victor at a kalpe race (?) The young anabates [jockey] has probably jumped off his horse near the white column shown at a distance behind the horse, and is holding a shield. Nike, the winged victory is awarding him the wreath.
Image courtesy of Theodore Antikas, DVM, PhD

Kalpe

The kalpe, first introduced in the 71st Olympia in 496 BCE, was run by mares and rarely by adult horses, mainly at a gaited trot. There is only one known winner in this rare event, won by Pataikos of Dyme, a small town in ancient Achaia near Patras. The contest is an ancient predecessor of the modern ride-and-run competition that requires riders to dismount and finish the last portion of the race on foot beside their horses.

The kalpe was discontinued in 444 BC along with the mule-and-cart event (see below). Apparently it was considered dangerous as any contest that involves mounting and dismounting horses in full speed. This may be the reason why the ‘’anabates’’ (chariot races where a second man had to mount on and then dismount from the vehicle) were not included in any Pan-Hellenic festival except the Panathenaian games.

e

Horses and Mules in the Ancient Olympics
Curated by Theodore Antikas, DVM, PhD

MAY 2016 - OCTOBER 2016

Black figured krater from Lucania, Italy, ca. 400-375 BC, British Museum. A victor at a kalpe race (?) The young anabates [jockey] has probably jumped off his horse near the white column shown at a distance behind the horse, and is holding a shield. Nike, the winged victory is awarding him the wreath.
Image courtesy of Theodore Antikas, DVM, PhD

The Kalpe (quadriga), first introduced in the 71st Olympia...

The Kalpe, first introduced in the 71st Olympia in 496 BCE, was run by mares and rarely by adult horses, mainly at a gaited trot. There is only one known winner in this rare event, won by Pataikos of Dyme, a small town in ancient Achaia near Patras. The contest is an ancient predecessor of the modern ride-and-run competition that requires riders to dismount and finish the last portion of the race on foot beside their horses.

The kalpe was discontinued in 444 BC along with the mule-and-cart event (see below). Apparently it was considered dangerous as any contest that involves mounting and dismounting horses in full speed. This may be the reason why the ‘’anabates’’ (chariot races where a second man had to mount on and then dismount from the vehicle) were not included in any Pan-Hellenic festival except the Panathenaian games.

Horses and Mules in the Ancient Olympics
Curated by Theodore Antikas, DVM, PhD

The Kalpe, first introduced in the 71st Olympia in 496 BCE, was run by mares and rarely by adult horses, mainly at a gaited trot. There is only one known winner in this rare event, won by Pataikos of Dyme, a small town in ancient Achaia near Patras. The contest is an ancient predecessor of the modern ride-and-run competition that requires riders to dismount and finish the last portion of the race on foot beside their horses.

The kalpe was discontinued in 444 BC along with the mule-and-cart event (see below). Apparently it was considered dangerous as any contest that involves mounting and dismounting horses in full speed. This may be the reason why the ‘’anabates’’ (chariot races where a second man had to mount on and then dismount from the vehicle) were not included in any Pan-Hellenic festival except the Panathenaian games.
Black figured krater from Lucania, Italy, ca. 400-375 BC, British Museum. A victor at a kalpe race (?) The young anabates [jockey] has probably jumped off his horse near the white column shown at a distance behind the horse, and is holding a shield. Nike, the winged victory is awarding him the wreath.
Image courtesy of Theodore Antikas, DVM, PhD

Horses and Mules in the Ancient Olympics
Curated by Theodore Antikas, DVM, PhD

MAY 2016 - OCTOBER 2016

A scene from a Panathenaic amphora, ca. 500 BC, British Museum. The two mules gallop fast as the seated driver of the cart holding the four rains in his right and a whip in his left hand is trying to control them. A trained rider’s eye will detect the wrong gallop of the ‘’seiraphoros’’ (off side) mule: in an anti-clockwise course the mule’s right front leg should be raised higher than the left. No wonder there were accidents in the mule-and-cart race, a very sensible reason to discontinue it…
Image courtesy of Theodore Antikas, DVM, PhD

The Apene

Unlike the other eight equestrian events in the ancient Olympics, the apene involved a cart led by two mules. This unique contest was introduced at the 70th Olympiad of 500 BC at which the mules bred by one more Thessalian breeder, Thersias, won the wreath.

Winning the apene came with a great amount of prestige and fame, which was likely attributed to the great wealth of the participant breeders most of which were wealthy tyrants from the Greek colonies in Magna Graecia. This may be the reason why the Eleans discontinued this event in 444 BC.

Mule carts differed from horse chariots in many ways. The wheels were larger, the cart had a high sitting board, and the driver sat during the race instead of standing.

e

Horses and Mules in the Ancient Olympics
Curated by Theodore Antikas, DVM, PhD

MAY 2016 - OCTOBER 2016

A scene from a Panathenaic amphora, ca. 500 BC, British Museum. The two mules gallop fast as the seated driver of the cart holding the four rains in his right and a whip in his left hand is trying to control them. A trained rider’s eye will detect the wrong gallop of the ‘’seiraphoros’’ (off side) mule: in an anti-clockwise course the mule’s right front leg should be raised higher than the left. No wonder there were accidents in the mule-and-cart race, a very sensible reason to discontinue it…
Image courtesy of Theodore Antikas, DVM, PhD

The Apene involved a cart led by two mules...

Unlike the other eight equestrian events in the ancient Olympics, the apene involved a cart led by two mules. This unique contest was introduced at the 70th Olympiad of 500 BC at which the mules bred by one more Thessalian breeder, Thersias, won the wreath.

Winning the apene came with a great amount of prestige and fame, which was likely attributed to the great wealth of the participant breeders most of which were wealthy tyrants from the Greek colonies in Magna Graecia. This may be the reason why the Eleans discontinued this event in 444 BC.

Mule carts differed from horse chariots in many ways. The wheels were larger, the cart had a high sitting board, and the driver sat during the race instead of standing.

Horses and Mules in the Ancient Olympics
Curated by Theodore Antikas, DVM, PhD

The Apene
Unlike the other eight equestrian events in the ancient Olympics, the apene involved a cart led by two mules. This unique contest was introduced at the 70th Olympiad of 500 BC at which the mules bred by one more Thessalian breeder, Thersias, won the wreath.

Winning the apene came with a great amount of prestige and fame, which was likely attributed to the great wealth of the participant breeders most of which were wealthy tyrants from the Greek colonies in Magna Graecia. This may be the reason why the Eleans discontinued this event in 444 BC.

Mule carts differed from horse chariots in many ways. The wheels were larger, the cart had a high sitting board, and the driver sat during the race instead of standing.
A scene from a Panathenaic amphora, ca. 500 BC, British Museum. The two mules gallop fast as the seated driver of the cart holding the four rains in his right and a whip in his left hand is trying to control them. A trained rider’s eye will detect the wrong gallop of the ‘’seiraphoros’’ (off side) mule: in an anti-clockwise course the mule’s right front leg should be raised higher than the left. No wonder there were accidents in the mule-and-cart race, a very sensible reason to discontinue it…
Image courtesy of Theodore Antikas, DVM, PhD