Sex in Ancient Greece
Abstinence During Athletic Training

Abstinence was professed by some because of the weakening effects of sexual activity on athletic performance. Sleeping with metal plates over the loins was thought to help decrease the libido (Perrottet 57). There is also evidence to suggest that at times athletes would avoid any erotic type of conversation. Cleitomachus, the Theban athlete, left the symposium if sex was brought into discussion and Iccus of Tarentum never touched a woman or a boy during training (Golden 76). Temporary infibulation was also practiced by Greek athletes. A string was tied around the prepuce and fastened around the waist prior to athletic competitions to promote abstinence and increase performance. This act also was thought to protect male genitals during events (Sansone 119).

“Happy is the lover who after spending time in the Gymnasium goes home to sleep all day long with a beautiful young man” (Thgn.Musa Paedica). It is clear from numerous sources that athletes who were victorious would be treated like heroes with monetary rewards, celebrations by poets, everlasting memory and an excess of sexual activity.

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