Ancient Gymnasia: the Academy, the Lyceum and the Cynosarges

"One of the most characteristic landmarks of the Greek city was the gymnasium" (Forbes 1945, 32). Several gymnasia in ancient Athens housed schools that were created and taught by philosophers. "Most important and common was the service of the gymnasium as a headquarters of higher and adult education" (Forbes 1945, 33). The teachings that occurred at these schools have continued to influence philosophical thinking throughout history. In many ways they are just as influential now as they were in the ancient world. The Academy, the Lyceum, and the Cynosarges are three such gymnasia.

The Academy was constructed at the turn of the sixth century B.C.E. Like most gymnasia around ancient Athens, the Academy was where the military and athletes trained. However, around 387 B.C.E., philosophy found its way into the Academy by way of the philosopher Plato (Chroust 25). Not only did Plato relax and socialize at the gymnasium, it was there that he also began teaching his philosophies to his friends and followers.

While Plato's main focus was philosophy, he also taught politics and encouraged students to be active in political events. As more people gained interest in his teachings, a school was added to the Academy. Architects began taking note of the importance of scholastics and started designing gymnasia equipped with classrooms to accommodate both teachers and students. The Academy was called the first organized "institute of political science" and was home to both athletics as well as academics, surviving until A.D. 526 when it was shut down by the Roman Emperor Justinian (Chroust 29).

During the same time that the Academy was gaining momentum a second gymnasium, the Lyceum, was constructed. Forbes notes that "after spending twenty years in Plato's Academy, Aristotle left Athens for a few years and on his return took over the grounds of another gymnasium, the Lyceum” which later developed into a philosophical institution (1945, 34). The Lyceum was a well used facility that stood just east of the ancient city where Aristotle, "adjudged by common contest the best educated man who ever lived," taught his philosophies while men trained for the military (Robb 202). Comparable to other gymnasia structures around Athens like the Academy and Cynosarges, the Lyceum was well used by all. Since the gymnasium accommodated teachers, students, athletes, and other Athenians, it served several purposes and improved the Greek way of life. The Lyceum had several rooms in which Athenians were able to use. Others rooms were available for citizens to practice their athletics. An athlete could be found dressing in the apodyterion before continuing his workout at the xystos, or running track. Elsewhere in the facility Athenians could use the seating areas found in the palaistra, or wrestling school, to hold assembly meetings.

Along with the Academy and Lyceum, Athens decided to add one more gymnasium during the sixth century B.C.E. While the exact location of the Cynosarges gymnasium is disputed it probably stood on the southern bank of the Ilissos river in southern Greece. While the primary purpose of the gymnasium was for physical activity and training, Socrates also established a school of philosophy at its location. “Wherever Socrates appeared, there were sure to be enlivening talk and informal education” (Forbes 1945, 33). In addition to these activities, excavations suggest that this gymnasium was used for several additional purposes including equestrian activities.

Upon Socrates death in 399 B.C., his student Antisthenes continued teaching his ideas at the school at Cynosarges. While Antisthenes emphasized justice, wisdom, and courage as did his mentor, without the presence of Socrates the school at Cynosarges was unable to reach the same kind of popularity as the Academy or Lyceum (Sayre 238). In 200 B.C.E., Philip V, the king of Macedon, attempted to capture the city of Athens and sought refuge at Cynosarges. This event marks the end of the gymnasium for it is believed that it never fully recovered from the attacks.