stadión

A stadion (plural: stadia or stadiums) is a unit of length used in ancient Greece and Rome. The precise length of a stadion varied, but it was generally based on the length of a footrace held at ancient athletic festivals. The most common measure, the Olympic stadion, was approximately 192 meters (210 yards). This length was derived from the original length of the footrace at the ancient Olympic Games.

The term "stadion" also referred to the ancient structures built for athletic contests, particularly footraces. These were typically long, rectangular or U-shaped open-air venues with a track. The most famous example is the Stadium of Olympia in Greece, where the ancient Olympic Games were held. These early stadiums were relatively simple, often built into natural hillsides for seating, and focused primarily on the running events.

The concept of the stadion as a place for athletic competition has evolved significantly over centuries. Modern stadiums are vast, sophisticated structures designed to accommodate a wide range of sports and events, including football, athletics, concerts, and more. They feature elaborate seating arrangements, advanced facilities, and often have roofs or enclosed designs. Despite the dramatic transformation in scale and complexity, the fundamental purpose of providing a venue for organized sport and spectator entertainment traces its lineage back to the ancient stadion.