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Other games:
Pythia
| Isthmia |
Nemea
| Panathenaea
| Heraea
| Asclepiea
Isthmia
The Isthmian games were conducted every two years, in spring, in honor of Poseidon. The games took place at the godŐs sanctuary and lasted for three days. Those who believe that the Panhellenic games had their origin in funerary competitions have associated the Isthmian games with the death of Melikertes, also known by the name "Palaimon", who drowned together with his mother Ino. In the first half of the 6th century BC the Corinthians have added naked and equestrian competitions to the games that took place already from the 7th century in Isthmia. Corinth continued to have control of the games during the Roman era with the exception of the period 146-44 BC when the city lost its political rights and as a result the Games were organized by Sikyon. They began with a sacrifice to Poseidon and a banquet for the worshippers. Athletic competitions took part in the track and music competitions in the theatre. The winners were originally crowned with a wreath of pine, which was replaced by a wreath of wild celery in the 5th century BC. In the Roman years the winners received both.
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