Pedestrianism

14 ANCIENT GYMNASTICS. strengthof the arms; and the length of the cast decided the claimsof the competitors. Boxing , or the Pancratia ,—This combat was performed either by the nakedfist, or with the addition of the C/estus wh,ich was made of straps of leather, lined with metal. Boxing was one of the most dangerous of the gymnastic contests, and frequently ter­ minated in maiming, or death. Judges called Hellanodics wereappoin to presideat the Olympicfestival; andtheir office conveyed great authority. They in­ flicted corporal punishments and pecuniary penaltieson those who infringedthe Olympic laws : and that vast assembly of combatants and spectators, which was composed of men of every rank and degree, was thus kept in order and regidarity. For ten centuries, re­ ligion and customconsecrated theirpowerful influence to the maintenance of the sacred games—theperiodof theirrevival by Iphitus, being seven hundred and seventy-six years before the birth of Christ. The duration of this