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The Hellanodikai rigidly enforce strict standards, rules, and practices to keep the sacred games fair and honest. For example, 25 identical shields are kept in the Temple of Zeus for use in the hoplitodromos to guard against cheating by substituting a lighter shield. Punishment for breaking the Olympic rules is harsh. Whipping is mandated for making a false start in a race. Fines are levied for many offenses. The way to the stadium is lined with 16 Zanes (bronze statues of Zeus), funded by fines paid by athletes who cheated in the Games. Bribing the athletes is a particularly despicable and dishonorable form of cheating and is punished accordingly with enormous fines. Six of the Zanes were erected with fines levied against the city of Athens when one of its citizens, Kallipos, bribed his opponents in the pentathlon. |
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