March 13: Women's Month

In Greek antiquity, women were denied entrance to public spaces like theatres or stadions. They couldn’t perform or compete, they weren’t even allowed as spectators. That means no ancient Greek mother has even been able to cheer on her husband, her brother or her son. And no man has ever thrown a kiss to his mother or his wife in the audience. Let alone that a woman could take on the role of coach. Yet, one did, Kallipateira from the island of Rhodes. She came from a boxing family and picked up some tips and tricks along the way. Which came in handy when her husband died and couldn’t finish the training of their son Peisidoros. She disguised herself as a male and took on the role of trainer. With success. Peisidoros won his fight at the Olympic games. Overjoyed, Kallipateira leapt over the fence and doing so, exposed herself. The jury decided to let it pass for once, but ordained that in future, trainers – like athletes – could only enter without any clothing. So they effectively introduced a “no dress” code.

Boxers and Trainer, Belly Amphora, Staatliche Antikensammlungen, Münich, Germany

Boxer, Statuette, Walters Art Museum, Baltimore, USA