Melankomas
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Melankomas, or Melancomas, of Caria was a boxer, winner of the 207th (ancient) Olympiad in 49 AD. He was known for his athleticism, good looks, and brave heart. He became legend for his boxing style; he would totally avoid the punches of the other boxer without throwing any himself. Reputedly, he never lost a match or was struck by an opponent.
Greek orator Dio Chrysostom explains the boxing style of Melankomas in Discourse 29. However it is unclear how accurate this account may be as Dio uses hyperbole. His descriptions make Melankomas sound more like a ballet dancer than a boxer. Dio also indicates that Melankomas was scandalously connected with the Emperor Titus.
External links
- Aspects of Greek Boxing in the Hellenistic and Roman Periods (http://www.aafla.org/SportsLibrary/NASSH_Proceedings/NP1984/NP1984d.pdf)
- Melankomas of Caria (http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/Olympics/melan.html) Melankomas of Caria (Berlin mirror) (http://perseus.mpiwg-berlin.mpg.de/Olympics/melan.html) - from the Perseus Digital Library, Department of the Classics (http://ase.tufts.edu/classics/), Tufts University (http://www.tufts.edu/). Source material for the following
- Athletes (http://ccat.sas.upenn.edu/~wbower/athletes.html)
- Heroes of Ancient Olympic Games - By Minakshi Chaudhry - The Tribune - India (http://www.tribuneindia.com/2000/20000917/spectrum/main3.htm)
- http://www.kpbsd.k12.ak.us/nikmh/staff/andersons/greeksite/Jory/