THE TERMS OF ANCIENT WRESTLING IN GALEN’S TREATISE ‘DE PARVAE PILAE EXERCITIO’

Abstract

The article aims to analyze the terminology of ancient wrestling in Galen’s work ‘De parvae pilae exercitio’ (‘On exercise with a small ball’), namely the terms τραχηλισμός, ἅμμα, λαβή, περίθεσις, ἄπωσις, ἀντίληψις and ἀποστήριξις. The first three terms may be considered as a rather conventional part of Ancient Greek athletic vocabulary, as well as, arguably, the term ἄπωσις. All these terms are found in the writings of Plato, Plutarch and Lucian. However, both in the Galenic corpus and the works of his predecessors these words also have nuanced meanings relevant to the medical field. As to the term ἀντίληψις, which was not of use in the athletic writings prior to the Galenic treatise in question, we suggest that it should be understood and translated as ‘counterhold’, whether wrestling or ball-play is concerned. The noun περίθεσις was used both in medicine ant athletics. The term ἀποστήριξις was taken from the doctors’ lexicon by Galen and then endued with a new meaning connected to sport. The terminology of ancient sport, as we strive to show, is intertwined with the terminology of ancient medicine. On one hand, Galen is following a well-established literary tradition, on the other hand, he is ready to experiment with new words and new meanings.