Beat 'em up like Beckham

David Harding|Metro13 April 2012

He may not have modelled sunglasses, changed his hairstyle every season or been accused of dabbling with a PA.

But, in terms of sporting prowess, Marcus Aurelius Asklepiades seems to have been every inch the David Beckham of his day.

The 2nd-century Greek sportsman was a champion in the brutal event of pankration - a violent blend of wrestling and boxing, with only biting and eye-gouging barred.

Asklepiades never lost a bout and was said to have scared some of his opponents into submission with his physical appearance alone.

Whereas Beckham's football cannot - regrettably - continue beyond

penalties, pankration bouts would often go on until the death of the loser - or sunset, whichever came first.

After retiring at 25, Asklepiades went on to head the prestigious Athletic Guild and moved to Rome.

Dr Jason Konig, a lecturer in Greek and classical studies at St Andrews University, stumbled across the legend of the hitherto unknown Asklepiades while researching a book on ancient athletics.

Studying literature and a series of inscribed stones found in Rome 100 years ago, Dr Konig pieced together his life story.

Asklepiades, who was born into a wealthy family and whose father was also a pankratiast, won more than 20 top titles. His greatest triumph was at the 181AD Olympics.

This ensured fame and riches, as well as statues in his honour across the Mediterranean world.

'In those days, sport was just as important, just as popular as it is today and more hotly debated,' Dr Konig told Nature magazine.

It is unlikely Asklepiades shared Beckham's good looks. Sports stars in his era were celebrated for scars and cauliflower ears - the more physical damage the better.

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