Greco-Roman Wrestling History | Tracing the Roots of Wrestling

Wrestling and Sprinting; Sports so old that their origins are still unknown! From the ancient Pankration, which was so relentless that even the word brutal is ashamed to describe it, to the modern Greco-Roman style, which is the epitome of skill and discipline, wrestling has come a long way.

Greco-Roman wrestling was one of the nine original sports at the first edition of the modern Olympics and has been a permanent fixture at the event since 1908. This style focuses on upper body strength to take down opponents and pin them to the ground in certain positions to gain points or count out victories. The direct counterpart of the Greco-Roman style is Freestyle wrestling, which differs mainly in the basic move set and allowed techniques. These prominent wrestling styles, along with others sanctioned by United World Wrestling, like Submission wrestling, Belt wrestling, Pahalvani, and Beach wrestling, all fall under the parent category called Amateur Wrestling. What makes these styles and wrestling itself so special is the rich history that decorates them.

Ancient Origins of Wrestling – Pankration’s Peak During Greek and Roman Empires

The original name of wrestling was Pankration, as depicted in the ancient Greek Manuscripts. Although there are no direct roots to the sport, several ancient drawings and cave paintings suggest that wrestling dates back to prehistoric times. Here are few of the oldest evidences of wrestling found:

Researchers discovered several paintings in the Lascaux cave near Montignac, France, in 1940. The drawings reportedly date back to the Upper Paleolithic period, and among them are 15,300-year-old depictions of people engaged in grappling holds.
Cave paintings from the Neolithic age (7000 BC) were found in the Bayankhongor Province of Mongolia. They show two naked men in grappling holds surrounded by a crowd of people. The sport is known as Bökh in Mongolia and is also described as military training in The Secret History of Mongols.
Reliefs and artifacts from Babylonia, as well as tomb paintings and carvings from the tomb of Baqet III at Beni Hasan, Egypt, illustrate detailed wrestling techniques and matches from around 3000 BCE.

These, and several other pieces of evidence like the ones found in the ancient city of Ur and stone carvings in Sumeria, even prove the use of fighting gloves. Wrestling was probably the only sport spread worldwide in ancient times, clear from the evidence of wrestling from 2500 BC Egypt, 1500 BC India, and 700 BC China.

Was Wrestling a Recreational Activity of the Time?

While the widespread popularity of wrestling might show it as a recreational and fun activity in prehistoric times, the truth may be very different! Pankration in its original form wasn’t the wrestling we enjoy today. It was a ruthless sport that allowed competitors to use fists and throw kicks freely without wearing boxing thongs or protective gear. The only possible outcome was when one of the competitors was unable to compete, being either unconscious or dead. Another form of wrestling was Kato Pale(Ground Wrestling), a rather disciplined version of the sport.

The Popularity of Wrestling in the Greco-Roman Period

Greeks believed that Theseus of Athens invented Pankration, showing great interest in the sport, ultimately making it a significant martial art of the time. However, only the ‘Lunatic Fringe’ type of martial artist could endure the brutality of Pankration.

Ground Wrestling was less brutal and required less space, making it a more famous sport of the time. A Papyrus wrestling manual from the 2nd century AD describes that the Greeks knew many wrestling techniques, such as headlocks, shoulder holds, and joint locks, and also describes the rules of Kato Pale as follows:

Three points were required to win.
A point was awarded for each fall.
A fall occurred when a wrestler’s back or shoulders touched the ground.
A wrestler could ‘tap out’ under a lock.
Wrestlers are not held accountable if the opponent is killed in a contest.

Wrestling was an Original Sport of the Ancient Olympics

In 776 BC, the Greeks started the Ancient Olympics as part of the Panhellenic Games, incorporating ground wrestling, long jumps, foot races, discus throws, and boxing. Pankration was added to the 18th edition of the Ancient Olympics as the final showdown of the Pentathlon’s main event.

Fun Fact: Athletes competed naked in most events at the Ancient Olympic Games. This practice was called gymnos, meaning ‘naked’ in Greek, and emphasized the Greek ideal of ‘beauty of the human body’ as a tribute to Zeus ( the Greek god whose name the Games honored).

Romans Carried the Greek’s Wrestling Legacy: Evolution of Wrestling Styles

Wrestling as a spectator sport and championship matches are inventions of the Roman Empire. They promoted wrestling as a source of entertainment by eliminating the brutality and making amendments to the hardcore rules. They built Greek palestras and featured wrestling championship matches at festivals, the Olympics, and Gladiatorial events.

These amendments gave wrestling a proper boost in popularity among the locals. As the Empire grew, the interest spread all across Europe, encouraging local cultures to contribute. Among the several new wrestling styles that developed, catch-as-catch-can was a prominent one. This style allowed holds and grabs to any part of the opponent’s body, making it a direct precursor to modern freestyle wrestling.

Development of the Style – From Flat Hand to Greco-Roman

The origins of Greco-Roman wrestling trace back to 19th-century Europe, where it was first known as “flat hand” or “French wrestling.” Jean Exbrayat, a soldier from Napoleon’s army, played a key role in developing this style. Exbrayat performed at fairs and created rules that set his wrestling apart from other combat sports that allowed striking. His rule, which banned holds below the waist, became the defining feature of Greco-Roman wrestling.

This style gained popularity as people sought to revive the values of ancient Greece and Rome. By the late 1800s, it was renamed “Greco-Roman” to highlight its connection to classical traditions. The sport spread rapidly across Europe, where it was celebrated for its focus on skill and strength without dangerous moves. Wrestlers competed for significant prize money in international tournaments, making the style prestigious.

Wrestling’ Inclusion in the Modern Olympics

Greco-Roman was the first wrestling style submitted at the modern Olympic Games. The sport debuted in the 1896 Olympics in Athens and became a permanent fixture at the 1908 Summer Olympics in London. Germany’s Carl Schumann won the first edition of the Greco-Roman wrestling event at the Olympics, along with top positions in 3 other gymnastic competitions at the same event. In the first two editions of the Olympics, a silver medal with olive branches was the top prize; the gold and bronze medals trend started in the 1904 edition.

Info: Since the start, Greco-Roman wrestling is an exclusively men’s event at the Olympics.

Rules of Greco-Roman Wrestling

The UWU defines the rules and weight classes for Amateur wrestlers in Olympic and other International competitions.

Weight Classes

Significant adjustments were made to the weight classes of Greco-Roman wrestling in the most recent update in 2018. Here are the current weight classes:

55 kg (121 lbs) (non-Olympic class)
60 kg (132 lbs)
63 kg (139 lbs) (non-Olympic class)
67 kg (148 lbs)
72 kg (159 lbs) (non-Olympic class)
77 kg (170 lbs)
82 kg (181 lbs) (non-Olympic class)
87 kg (192 lbs)
97 kg (214 lbs)
130 kg (287 lbs)

Match Format

Each match has two 3-minute periods with a 30-second break in between. The wrestler’s names are called before the match and they’re guided to their respective corners. Referee calls both competitors to the center of the mat, inspects their apparel, checks for perspiration, oily or greasy substances on the body, and any unallowed substances. Both fighters shake hands, maintain ideal distance, and the referee signals to ring the bell.

Scoring Points

Takedown (2-5 points): Wrestlers score points by taking their opponent down to the mat. A spectacular throw that exposes the opponent’s back can earn up to 5 points.
Reversal (1 point): A wrestler can earn a point by reversing control from a defensive position.
Exposure/Danger Position (2 points): If a wrestler exposes their opponent’s back to the mat, they gain 2 points.
Penalties: Illegal moves, fleeing the mat, or being passive can give the opponent 1 or 2 points.

Ways to Win

Pin/Fall: Holding both of the opponent’s shoulders on the mat results in an immediate win.
Technical Superiority: If a wrestler gains an 8-point lead, they win by technical superiority.
Decision: If no fall or technical superiority is achieved, the wrestler with the most points wins.
Disqualification/Forfeit: A wrestler can also win if their opponent is disqualified, injured, or hands him a walkover.

Techniques Involved in Greco-Roman Wrestling

Greco-Roman wrestling is known for its unique techniques that focus on upper-body strength and explosive moves. Unlike freestyle wrestling, holds below the waist are not allowed, and wrestlers cannot use their legs to perform offensive or defensive actions. This rule makes Greco-Roman wrestling a true test of upper-body control and power. Here are some key techniques used in this style:

Throws and Suplexes:

Since wrestlers cannot grab below the waist, they must rely heavily on throws to take down their opponents. Suplexes are a popular move where a wrestler lifts and throws their opponent, aiming to expose their back to the mat for points.

Upper Body Control:

Wrestlers use their arms, chest, and shoulders to control their opponents. Grabbing and locking arms, body holds, and upper-body clinches are essential techniques for gaining an advantage.

Explosive Movements:

Greco-Roman wrestling emphasizes quick, powerful moves. Wrestlers must act fast to throw or pin their opponent before the opponent can react or defend.

Leg Fouls

Any contact with the legs, either to block or trip, is considered a foul. Offensive leg fouls lead to a warning, while defensive leg fouls give the opponent two points and can even lead to losing the match if repeated.

Par Terre Position:

If a wrestler is not active enough and is just trying to block or avoid the opponent’s moves without making any attacks, this is called “passivity.” To punish passivity, the active wrestler gets the point and can decide whether the match continues with both wrestlers standing or the passive wrestler lying down in a vulnerable position called “par terre.” In par terre, the passive wrestler lies flat on the mat, and the active wrestler can score points from a better position.

Essential Gear in Greco-Roman Wrestling

Every combat sport has a specific gear and apparel that not only defines its unique identity but is engineered to meet the specific athletic needs of the sport. Amateur wrestling has a particular combat gear that caters to all styles.

Wrestling Singlets

It is a snugly fitted one-piece garment made from nylon, spandex, and lycra blends for the perfect fit and durability. Wrestling singlets come in two categories: stock singlets made in standard designs and red or blue colors and custom wrestling singlets designed by brands for added flexibility and creativity.

Pro Tip: When selecting your wrestling singlets, choose the one with 4-way stretch fabric. This means the fabric will stretch both horizontally and vertically, preventing grinning during competition.

Wrestling Shoes

Wrestlers need prime footwork and agility on the mat to execute the perfect takedowns and pinfalls. Wrestling shoes are often lightweight and flexible to ensure ease of movement and breathability. It is suggested to get your boots custom-ready from a trusted brand, ensuring that they include some high end features.

Wrestling shoes should fit snugly and feel tight and perfectly laced around your ankle to provide the best support against strain. Buy wrestling shoes with a suede or leather body and a rubber sole to ensure prime durability and moisture escape.

Handkerchief or Bloodrag

This is an important piece of cloth carried inside the singlet, used to wipe off any sweat, blood, or moisture that might affect the wrestler’s grip or performance. The referee may ask the wrestlers to clean themselves up during breaks or pauses in the match to ensure the bout continues smoothly.

Headgear

It is an optional gear in Amateur wrestling that comes in many designs, with the primary purpose of protecting the wrestler’s ear. Head protection helps prevent ‘cauliflower ear,’ a condition that occurs when the ear is repeatedly hit or rubbed, causing painful swelling and permanent damage to the ear tissue. The wrestling headgear consists of padded ear cups that cushion the ears from impact during grappling and holds.

Final Words: The Greatest Feats in Greco-Roman Wrestling

As a style that focuses on strength, skills, and discipline, Greco-Roman wrestling wasn’t well received at first by the British and Americans. Its counterpart, Freestyle wrestling, was more popular in these regions as it allowed full-body offense and defense maneuvers. Europeans received the sport well and held international competitions throughout the 19th century. Sweden and Finland dominated the Olympic games for almost 50 years until 1948. Carl Westergren was the first Greco-Roman wrestler to win three Olympic golds in 1920, 1924, and 1932. Alexander Karelin secured the same feat with three consecutive gold medals in 1988, 1992, and 1996.