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PUGILATUS: Part two, history and
basics This second guide will tell us some more about ancient boxing and materials. The fist, being the simplest and most natural weapon, it can be taken that boxing was one of the earliest athletic games among the Greeks. Gods and several heroes are described as have participated and being victorious in boxing games, e.g.: Heracles, Apollo, Tydeus,... In the earliest times boxers fought naked, except for a loin cover. But this was not used used when boxing was introduced. Fighters fought completely naked back then except for their leathers wrappings or caestus. A skillful boxer was considered not to attack but wear the attacker out by using a defensive stand until he was obliged to tap out by fatigue or wounds. It was considered the highest skill in a boxer to conquer without receiving wounds so we can say that in ancient boxing there are 2 points of main importance, to inflict blows on the other yet at the same time not to get harmed yourself. Often a pugilist used his right arm to inflict damage and using his left arm for defense. Almost all regular hits where directed to the upper body and wounds inflicted on the head sever if not fatal. Lots of ancient representations shows the boxers with blood streaming from their noses and with frequently knocked out tooth. The ears were also exposed to great danger so often this is represented by swollen or mutilated ears on statues.
Deaths during the fight itself occurred rather frequently only if a fighter willfully killed his opponent he was severely punished. If both the combatants were tired without wishing to give up the fight, they might pause a while to recover some strength, in some cases described as sitting on the knees. If a fight lasted to long both fighters could agree to share blows. This is when both parties agreed not to move and not to put up any defense, except for a special position of the hands. The combat did not end until one of the participants was compelled by fatigue, wounds or despair and considered himself conquered. Tapping out was done by raising a hand. Boxing ended in 500 AD by Christian emperor Theodosius because boxing was an insult to god. Boxing disfigured the face which was considered an image of god. Outfit of an ancient boxer: ancient boxers didn't have a lot of protection. The earliest times they fought naked and the period we do they wore the subligaculum or loin cover. Their limbs were protected by wrappings and they wore 'boxing gloves'.
Rules of engagement: -There is no such thing as a ring. -There are no rounds: when both fighters agreed they could have a small pause. -There is no weight class, they fought whoever was chosen by lot. -Both parties could agree to share blows to each other. -No killing on purpose Currently we have these rules of engagement in Familia Gladiatvra: -No ring -No rounds: when both fighters are exhausted a small pause could be agreed. -There are no weight classes -Both parties could agree to share blows with the other fighter allowed to defend himself -Fights can be full, semi or light contact -In training protective wear can be used, with historical fights, historical outfit is a must -No blows to the throat or groins - take me back to research page - |
