PankrationThe recent popularity of no-holds-barred combat like Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) has revived interest in Pankration, a mixed martial art of ancient Greece that was first introduced into the Olympic Games in 648 B.C., at the 33rd Olympiad. The name "Pankration" is a combination of two Greek words--pan (all) and kratos (strength)--and can be translated as "all encompassing" or "all powerful." A combination of Hellenic boxing and wrestling, Pankration became the most popular event of the Olympics, adding legends of its own larger-than-life heroes to Greece's rich history. Hercules himself was said to be a pankratist, while Alexander the Great reportedly recruited these skilled fighters for his army's invasion of India in 326 B.C. Pankration matches took place in a square arena, designed to keep the fighters in close proximity to each other. A referee officiated, using a rod or switch to enforce the rules, which were limited. There was no biting, eye gouging or scratching, but all other techniques were allowed. Kicking was an integral part of Pankration, particularly kicks from below to the opponent's stomach and groin, and leg sweeps aimed at knocking the opponent off his feet. Much of the fighting took place on or close to the ground, with the opponents grappling with each other and employing techniques such as hair pulling, punches, joint locks, choke holds and elbow and knee strikes. Pankration bouts normally ended only when one competitor was knocked unconscious or raised his hand in submission; some fights resulted in the death of one or even both of the competitors, most commonly from strangulation. The Roman Emperor Theodisius I abolished the Olympic Games in 393 A.D., and it was not until 1896 that the modern Olympics began in Athens, Greece's capital city. By that time, Pankration existed more in legend, and in historical and artistic representations of ancient Greek society, than in actuality. Although it never entirely died out in some Greek communities, it was not included in the new Olympics. More recently, however, renewed interest in Pankration resulted in the foundation of the World Pankration Federation, an organization dedicated to the promotion of the sport. The federation runs competitive events, including the World Pankration Championships, and has campaigned for Pankration to be returned to its Olympic status.

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