The “Runner’s Ring”

The scene is dominated by a central male figure with widely extended legs. He is depicted with strongly muscled legs, arms bent antithetically, and body and head curved back, locks streaming –elements providing a snapshot of the rushing speed of the figure, justly named the “runner”. On either side stand hieratic figures, as indicated by their distinctive garments, symbols, and gestures.

The scene attests that foot races were held in Minoan Crete, in the context of specific cult ceremonies and religious events.

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  • Heraklion Archaeological Museum, inv. n. Χ-Α 1699
  • 1600 – 1500 BC (LM ΙΑ)
  • Max. l. (bezel) 0.018 m. Μax. w. (bezel) 0.009 m. Diam. (band) 0.015 m.
  • Gold
  • Provenance: Syme Viannos, “Sanctuary of Hermes and Aphrodite”
Bibliography
  • Lebessi, A. Muhly, P. & Papasavvas, G. (2004). The Runner’s Ring. A Minoan Athlete’s Dedication at the Syme Sanctuary, Crete, Athenische Mitteilungen 119, Vol. 119, pp. 1-31, pls. 1 – 8, Athenische Abteilung: Mitteilungen des Deutschen Archäologischen Instituts.
The “Runner’s Ring”
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