Klietomakhos and Aristonikus at Olympia in 212 B.C.

Artist's interpretation of the author's tactical deduction of the account of the bout by Polybius

In a time fraught with constant warfare Klietomakhos [Eternally-glorious-fighter] of Thebes had the singular honor of having his athletic status challenged by the fabulously wealthy King Ptolemy IV, Philopator [Loving-father], of Egypt, who personally oversaw the training of the young phenom Aristonikus [Best-victor], who he had groomed for the specific purpose of denying Klietomakhos a second victory with the fist at Olympia. This bout has the distinction of having been the only ancient boxing match described by a contemporary historian. As a subject for study it belongs squarely in the Hellenistic period of heroic gauntlet boxing, though its conduct has shed considerable light on the prize-fighting parameters of the Classical Age.

According to Polybius, the veteran from Thebes suffered at the hands of the Egyptian phenom early on. But during a rest break called because of the extended duration of the bout, the older fighter called on the crowd to switch sympathies in favor of himself, a fellow Greek. The crowd then turned on the younger fighter, who lost heart and eventually the bout. Of course, for an older fighter to pull this off would require some rough body-work as well.

Notes on the Illustration

This illustration was intended for the cover of Broken Dance, a projected magnum opus on ancient boxing contracted for with Paladin Press at a time when they were doing well with big illustrated volumes.

The top of the illustration was left clear for the publisher to place the title and credits.

Joseph Bellofatto Jr. used three 2002 photo shoots to get the postures, shadowing and footprints in the dirt correct: a sparring session with James and Chuck Goetz; a shadow boxing session with James and David Lumsden; and a 27 and ½ minute pugmakhia bout between Chuck and James contested with kempo gloves and in bare feet.

The fighters had to be posed in such a way that no genitals could be seen. Paladin Press Editor Jon Ford had stated explicitly, “No dicks on the cover.”

The face and physique of Klietomakhos [right] is based on the bronze sculpture of the ‘Seated Boxer’ from about 100 A.D., that has been suggested by one historian as the likeness of Klietomakhos.