Skip to main content
hoplitodromos

hoplitodromos

1 9.9
A race in ancient Greece where people run wearing armor and carrying shields
  • noun
: hoplitodromo
  • Competitors in the hoplitodromos had to run in heavy bronze armor and carry a shield.

Examples

  • The hoplitodromos was a highlight of the ancient Olympic Games, testing both speed and strength.

  • Historians study the hoplitodromos to understand the military training of ancient Greek athletes.

  • The hoplitodromos was a thrilling event in ancient Greek games.

  • In the hoplitodromos, athletes wore heavy armor.

  • The hoplitodromos challenged athletes to run swiftly while encumbered by armor and a shield.

  • In the hoplitodromos, runners showcased their strength and agility while carrying shields.

  • The hoplitodromos was an integral part of the ancient Greek Olympics, emphasizing the combination of speed and military endurance.

Surface Forms

hoplitodromos singular
hoplitodromoi plural

Etymology

Hoplitodromos comes from Greek parts hoplit- (from hoplon, 'shield' or 'weapon', seen in the word hoplite for a soldier) and -dromos ('running' or 'race'). So the hoplitodromos was the race where people ran wearing armor and carrying shields, which is why the word means an ancient footrace in heavy armor.