Iccus of Taranto
Iccus of Taranto (5th century BC) was a Magna Grecia Olympic athlete, a victor during the LXXVII Games (472 BC). He is considered the father of athletic dietology. He prepared himself physically before competing according to ethical-religious Pythagorean concepts by abstaining from sexual intercourse and a frugal diet specially prepared. He also taught these principles.[1] Pausanias calls him the best gymnast of his age,[2] and Plato also mentions him with great praise.[3] Iamblichus calls him a Pythagorean,[4] and, according to Themistius,[5] Plato reckoned him among the sophists.
References
- ^ L’Arte ginnica di Icco da Taranto nel contesto socio-culturale della Magna Grecia; Luigi Stroppiana, Medicina nei Secoli arte e Scienza, 1989, 1:3-12, Roma; ISSN 03949001
- ^ Pausanias, vi. 10. § 2
- ^ Plato, de Leg. viii. p. 840, Protag. p. 316, with the Scholium; comp. Lucian, Quomodo Hist, sit conscrib. 35; Aelian, Varia Historia xi. 3
- ^ Iamblichus, Vit. Pythag. 36
- ^ Themistius, Orat. xxiii.
