Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 39, Number 69, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 3 May 1907 — Athletes of Attica. [ARTICLE]

Athletes of Attica.

The athletes of ancient Greece, if they should appear to view, would not be taken for a foot-ball team of to-day. The old-time man of muscle wore his hair cropped, a distinguished feature in a land of long hair. Trainers for the games led a very careful life. They were under orders for a rigid diet, which became especially severe just before the contest. Their bill of fare consisted of fresh cheese, dried figs and wheaten porridge. A little later in the era meat was allowed, with a preference for beef and pork. Bread was not allowed with meat, and sweets not at all. At one time a strange custom of diet came into vogue. Every day, at the conclusion of practice, the athletes were obliged to consume enormous quantities of food, which was digested in a long-continued sleep. The amount was gradually increased, until huge meals of meat were taken. This diet produced a corpulence which was of advantage in wrestling, but injurious for other sports.