athlos

Athlos (Ancient Greek: ἄθλος) is a noun in ancient Greek literature that denotes a contest, a feat, or an achievement, especially within athletic or martial contexts. The term can refer to the contest itself, the prize awarded to the victor, or the act of striving to perform a difficult undertaking. From ἄθλος derive the English words athletics, athlete, and athletic, reflecting the term’s association with competition and prowess.

In classical sources, athlos appears in descriptions of gymnastic and other contests, and it is closely linked to the Greeks’ culture of competition and arete, or excellence. The concept encompasses not only physical prowess but also the moral dimension of striving to surpass one’s limits. In later Greek usage, the word broadens to denote notable feats or deeds and can function as a generic term for an undertaking or task that tests endurance and skill.

Modern scholarship treats athlos primarily as a linguistic and cultural marker of ancient Greek sport and ceremonial competition. It is useful for understanding Greek ideas about excellence, fame, and the social value placed on victory in contests such as the Olympic and Panhellenic Games. Related terms include agon (contest), arete (excellence), and athlētikē (athletics).