 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
Drawing of runners in starting position |
|
The Dromos, or running surface of the stadium, was 600 ancient feet of hard packed yellow clay. The surface was prepared for competition by digging up this clay, then rolling it so as to form a hard crust over a softer substrate. 
Water channel and 200-ft marker The track was marked every 100 feet by a small stone marker. Around the edges of the track, a water-channel of stone carried fresh water to thirsty athletes and spectators from a small spring (link) 500 meters away via a terracotta pipeline.  At both ends of the the track a balbis, or starting line, was located. The balbis consisted of a line of stones with two toe grooves. 
Balbis and Base for Hysplex The toe grooves were placed close together in accordance with the ancient starting position of one foot forward, with arms extended.
[PD 93.5b]
In addition to the stone starting line itself, the balbis included a starting mechanism called a hysplex which functioned using the same torsion concept as a catapult. This mechanism allowed Greeks to have consistently fair starts to races. 
Modern reconstruction of Hysplex
|
All materials from this site are copyrighted. Materials may be used with permission upon request.
This web site was designed and developed by Susannah L. Van Horn; please direct comments and inquiries to: nemeaucb@berkeley.edu