--- title: Stadium Starting Block, Nemea, Greece author: Mark Cartwright source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/615/stadium-starting-block-nemea-greece/ format: machine-readable-alternate license: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/) updated: 1970-01-01 --- # Stadium Starting Block, Nemea, Greece _Authored by [Mark Cartwright](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/markzcartwright/)_ ## Image File [![Stadium Starting Block, Nemea, Greece](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/615.jpg)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/615.jpg) ## Image Caption The starting line or 'balbis' consisted of 12 lanes with posts held in vertical sockets between which a catapult mechanism or 'hysplex' of tensed rope would prevent any athlete from false starting. A judge would simultaneously release the rope blocking the athletes. The rope or twisted sinews were at two heights (knee and waist); when released they would lie flat on the ground between the first footfalls of the athletes. Therefore, if an athlete tripped, they would have started too early. The double lines in the stone blocks were for athletes to place their toes in to ensure all started equally. A statue would have stood at either end of the balbis. 330-320 BCE. #### Editorial Review This human-authored image has been reviewed by our editorial team before publication to ensure accuracy, reliability and adherence to academic standards in accordance with our [editorial policy](https://www.worldhistory.org/static/editorial-policy/). ## About the Author Mark is WHE’s Publishing Director and has an MA in Political Philosophy (University of York). He is a full-time researcher, writer, historian and editor. Special interests include art, architecture and discovering the ideas that all civilizations share. ## Cite This Work ### APA Cartwright, M. (2012, May 09). Stadium Starting Block, Nemea, Greece. *World History Encyclopedia*. ### Chicago Cartwright, Mark. "Stadium Starting Block, Nemea, Greece." *World History Encyclopedia*, May 09, 2012. . ### MLA Cartwright, Mark. "Stadium Starting Block, Nemea, Greece." *World History Encyclopedia*, 09 May 2012, . ## License & Copyright Submitted by [Mark Cartwright](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/markzcartwright/ "User Page: Mark Cartwright"), published on 09 May 2012. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/deed.en). This license lets others remix, tweak, and build upon this content non-commercially, as long as they credit the author and license their new creations under the identical terms. When republishing on the web a hyperlink back to the original content source URL must be included. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.