On the Hand-Strike Techniques of Ancient Hellenic Boxing and Pankration

Combat sports held a prominent role in ancient Hellenic society for over half a millennium. This study focuses on the hand-strike techniques of the two combat arts that feature them: boxing and pankration. A comprehensive list of terminology has been compiled (for the first time) and includes 14 terms: seven generally related to boxing or hand strikes and seven primary techniques, all found in ancient text. In addition, 140 ancient Hellenic pottery subjects (ca. 600–300 BCE) depicting 218 instances of eight different hand strikes from athletic competitions have been compiled and analysed. The analysis includes counts of each technique, defensive countermeasures, and the stance variations of all combatants. The vases depict a distinct difference between the hand strikes of pankration and boxing, unique guards and defensive postures, and an astounding uniformity in the painting of the subtle, technical elements related to combat over a period of three centuries. Key findings of the pottery analysis show a predominately orthodox stance (80.13%), heightened popularity for hook (27.52% of strikes) and hammerfist (displayed on 37.86% of all vases) techniques, a high success rate of uppercuts (82.35%) and a significant number of ungloved open-hand strikes exclusive to pankration (25.75%).