The
''hippaphesis'' of Kleoitas
It was a
brilliant mechanism that allowed the different time but fair start of chariots
and horses in chariot races and horse races at the hippodrome of Ancient
Olympia. The mechanism ensured the starting of many chariots that were arrayed
in pairs, one behind the other, in the extensive starting line of the
hippodrome, which had the form of a prow of a boat (Λ). The operator of the mechanism unlatched the
sand clepsydra at the end of the starting line therefore the bronze dolphin
lowered slowly turning the drums in an altar with ropes while a bronze eagle
that was on this raised to the sky. Simultaneously, with the help of timed
ropes in calculated time intervals (depending on the time needed to cover the
distance between each chariot) the rope obstacles from the tracks fell in succession
and the chariots set off.
SOURCES:
"Pausanias, Hellados Periegesis(Eliaka), VI 10-16"
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