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nised as such with certitude - Pyrrhus was not among them. A preserved
written application by Pyrrhus to his benefactor Zeno, from its whole
verbiage, and from its absolutely positive and frequently demanding
tone does not give at all the impression that it was composed by a
slave. The exclusiveness of the Greek Games, precisely in the early
period of the Ptolemies is certainly beyond doubt. Games, especially
within the framework of the Ptolemies, generally consisted as a significant
part of the cult of the rulers. All the events, even the running
events for boys were open exclusively only for the classes of the gentry.
Sosibius, lauded in song by Callimachus, won as a boy in the Ptolemaic
Games in the diaulos, later in the Panathenian Games in wrestling,
and as a man in the chariot races of Corinth and of Nemea. This
Sosibius later became a Minister of Philopater. It would be hard to
believe that in his youth he competed with youthful slaves. Whence
then could the slave Pyrrhus have started?
The same is valid regarding the exclusiveness of the gymnasia.
This becomes more probable as reagrds Egypt from the fact that there
was closer relationship with the army - but slaves were precluded from
military service.
Yet what is the position of the "crown" which Zeno would receive
when Pyrrhus would win? We know nothing. There can be no question of
financial remuneration. Even if we take into consideration that in subsequent
years the difference between those "crowned" and "prize winners"
i.e. between Games for the victors crown and Games for the prize
money disappears more and more, yet the crown was always won by
the victor and not by the promoter. Possibly the "crown" of Zeno should
be understood symbolically.
It was a great honour for a faithful vassal to be able to offer a
victory in a constest to the honour of his master. It is also additionally
this peculiar notion of a public functionary or of a social magnate of
being able to participate in the victory or the fame of the athlete.The
extent to which the worthiness of others can be abused for one's own
advantage is brought home to us to day characteristically in our experience
of present day sports managers.
The spreading of professionalism in the Hellenistic times is generally
over estimated by generic appraisal which is rashly based on onesided
ancient propaganda and counter-propaganda. Even to-day the
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