[209]. Inscriptions found at Olympia illustrate the political relations of this time. In Ol. Ins. 31, Theban, Sicyonian, and Argive benefactors of Olympia are named πρόξενοι of the Arcadians. In Ol. Ins. 36, two Sicyonians are named πρόοξενοι and θεαροδόκοι of the Pisatans. Curtius, Ol. Text, i. 50.
[210]. Compare the triumphant inscription on Sophius of Messene, who won the same events circa 300 B.C. Paus. vi. 2, 10, and 3, 2.
[211]. The view adopted above is that of the late Mr. Louis Dyer, and is fully discussed by him in J.H.S. vol. xxviii. pp. 250 ff. The word θέατρον is here used of the arrangements for spectators overlooking the bare north-eastern corner of the Altis, and consisting in (1) the tiers of steps at the foot of the treasuries, (2) the Colonnade and its southward extension by the Hellanodiceon.
[212]. Ol. Ins. 260.
[213]. Quintilian aptly contrasts the bulging muscles, “tori,” of such athletes with the “lacertus” of soldiers.
[214]. Paus. v. 21, 10.
[215]. Polyb. 27, 7 A.
[216]. A third-century inscription from Epidaurus, Dittenb. Syll. 2nd Ed., 689, records that three athletes, a stadiodromos, a pentathlete, and a pankratiast, were fined 1000 staters each διὰ τὸ φθείρειν τοὺς ἀγῶνας. The next inscription, 690, records a similar fine on certain actors.
[217]. Roberts and Gardner, Greek Epigraphy, ii. p. 145.
[218]. Roberts and Gardner, Greek Epigraphy, ii. 61, p. 162 ( = I.G. ii. 444); cp. I.G. ii. 445, 446. Mommsen, Feste der Stadt Athens, pp. 278 ff.