Athenian Runners in Ancient Olympic Games - Classic Period - 600 BC - Meander Motif - Ceramic plate - Handmade in Greece

Item Specifics

Condition: New, Handmade in Greece
Diameter: 23 cm - 9,1 inches
Weight: 500 g
Material: clay, paint, ceramic, terracotta

Ancient Greek Myth
In Ancient Greece, the history of running can be traced back to 776 BC. Running was important to members of ancient Greek society, and is consistently highlighted in documents referencing the Olympic Games. The Olympic Games hosted a large variety of running events, each with their own set of rules. The ancient Greeks developed difficult training programs with specialized trainers in preparation for the Games. The training and competitive attitude of Greek athletes gives insight into how scientifically advanced Greece was for the time period.
The people of Greece generally enjoyed sporting events, particularly foot racing, and wealthy admirers would often give large gifts to successful athletes. Though foot races were physically challenging, if successful, athletes could become very wealthy. The ancient Greeks developed running as a sport into a sophisticated field of science and philosophy.
The motif is also known as Greek key or Greek fret. Meander was the most important symbol in Ancient Greece, symbolizing infinity or the eternal flow of things. ... The twisting pattern symbolizes as well the bonds of friendship, of love and has also been thought to mimic the serpent, symbol of guardianship and healing.