The ancient Isthmian Games were held every two years, from the middle of the 6th century B.C. in honor of Poseidon at Isthmus Sanctuary, near Corinth. Whereas the Olympics and the Pythian Games took place every four years, the Isthmian Games and the Nemean Games were arranged in a two-year cycle. This allowed the Greeks to participate in at least one event every single year.
They included running races, wrestling, boxing, pankration and the pentathlon. Later, equestrian and chariot races were added. The program was supplemented with musical and poetry contests.
The archaeological findings indicate that initially great celebrations were held in honor of Poseidon, but the athletic events, which lasted only three days, were added later. Their program began at dawn with a sacrifice to Poseidon, followed by lunch, while the athletic contests started in the afternoon. The Games closed with a big feast. From the 5th century B.C., along with the athletic events, the Isthmian Games included competitions in music, poetry and contests in rhetoric. The athletic contests were held in the stadium and the music ones in the theater.
Winners were crowned with wreaths made of pine trees.
According to myth, the god Poseidon faced off against the Sun for dominance over the wider region. In Athens and Argos, Poseidon had failed, but in Corinth, he managed to prevail, and the Corinthians honored him greatly.
