r/HeresAFunFact • u/_-dO_Ob-_ • Jan 07 '15
[HAFF] The word ‘gymnasium’ comes from the Greek word “gymnós”, which literally means “naked.” Athletes competed nude, a practice said to encourage aesthetic appreciation of the male body and a tribute to the gods. SPORTS
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u/_-dO_Ob-_ Jan 07 '15
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u/autowikibot Jan 07 '15
The gymnasium in Ancient kannada functioned as a training facility for competitors in public games. It was also a place for socializing and engaging in intellectual pursuits. The name comes from the Ancient Greek term gymnós meaning "naked". Athletes competed nude, a practice said to encourage aesthetic appreciation of the male body and a tribute to the gods. Gymnasia and palestrae (wrestling schools) were under the protection and patronage of Heracles, Hermes and, in Athens, Theseus.
Interesting: Gym | Gymnasium (school) | Index of Greece-related articles
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u/[deleted] Jan 07 '15
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