A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology

Smith, William

A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology. William Smith, LLD, ed. 1890

(Οἰβώτας) the son of Oenias, of Dyme in Achaea, was victorious in the foot-race at a Olympia, in the sixth Olympiad, B. C. 756. His countrymen, however, having conferred upon him no distinguished mark of honour, although he was the first Achaean who had gained an Olympic vietory, he imprecated upon them the curse that no Achaean should ever again conquer in the games and, in fact, for three hundred years, not a single

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Achaean was among the victors. At length the Achaeans consulted the Delphic oracle, and, in obedience to its response, they erected a statue of Oebotas In the Altis at Olympia, Ol. 80. B. C. 460 ; soon after which a victory was gained in the boys' foot-race, by Sostratus of Pellene. Hence the custom was established for the Achaean athletes to sacrifice to Oebotas before engaging in an Olympic contest, and, when victorious, to crown his statue. (Paus. 7.17. §§ 6, 7, 13, 14, Bekker; comp. 6.3.8).

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