Rhyton is the ancient Greek word for a container from which fluids were intended to be drunk, or else poured in some ceremony such as libation.
The famous relief on the rhyton from Hagia Triada, dated from the 16th century BC, is divided in registers with depictions of different sports such as wrestling, bull-leaping, and boxing.
The actual rules of boxing and wrestling are unknown, but the postures are suggestive of the following practices: competitions were probably always held in pairs. Noteworthy is the absence of interference by a judge, a fact probably attributed to iconographic needs. In both sports the athletes had elaborate coiffures, wore sandals and necklaces.
Wrestlers wore a special kind of helmet with cheekpieces, whereas boxers had their heads uncovered. The winner is portrayed with raised left hand, a possible posture to demonstrate his triumph. The defeated is shown in various postures, either on his knees or while trying to avoid the opponent's blows.
Product Details
Code: 012
Dimensions: 10x29cm
Colors: White, Black, Brown