Stadium
（
στάδιον). The course for foot-races among the Greeks; the
usual length of it was 600 Greek feet (625 Roman feet or 606 ft. 9 in. English), a measure
which Heracles, according to the myth, had appointed for the course at Olympia (see
Olympia). Subsequently this became the standard unit for
measuring distances; and when doubled formed the
δίαυλος, when quadrupled the
ἱππικόν, and when
multiplied by 6, 7, 8, 12, 20, or 24, the
δόλιχος. On both of
the longer sides of the course were natural or artificial elevations with terraced seats for
the spectators. At one end there was generally a semicircular space especially intended for
wrestling, and this was the place for the umpires. Near this was the pillar which marked the
goal. The starting-point was also sometimes indicated by a pillar at the other end, which was
origi
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Stadium at Ephesus. (Krause.) (A, boundary wall; B C, the sides; F F, the area; b b, pieces of masonry; e e, the entrances; from o to p is the length of an Olympic stadium.)
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nally straight, and in later times curved like the end near the goal. For the
different kind of races, see
Circus;
Hippodromus.
