Full resolution 3,042 × 2,223 pixels, file size: 1,008 KBOriginal photo by MatthiasKabel
A bronze reproduction of a Roman marble after a 3rd c. BC Greek depiction of pankratiasts grappling and striking. This copy is from around year 1900 and can be found in Munich, in the Staatliche Antikensammlungen
Pankration means 'all powers'. In the ancient greek world a match was won by submission of the opponent or if the opponent was incapacitated. Joint locks and choke holds were common techniques. In fact, there were only two rules: contestants were not allowed to gouge eyes or to bite. Wikipedia
