The FOOT-RACE was the most ancient, and claimed a pre-eminence over the other sports; the Olympiads being distinguished by the name of the victor who obtained the prize in this game.--But as our subject is particularly connected with this branch of the ancient gymnastics, we shall treat it more fully in the sequel. LEAPING consisted in projecting the body by a sudden spring, in which the competitors endeavoured to surpass each other in the length of their leap. Their bodies were poised and impelled forwards by weights of lead suspended in their hands; and it is said, that PHAULUS of Cretona acquired such proficiency in this exercise as to leap fifty-two feet. WRESTLING.--This art required both strength and agility. The wrestlers were matched by lot; and the prize belonged to him who had thrice thrown his adversary on the ground. They rubbed their bodies with oil to elude the grasp, and to prevent too profuse perspiration. THROWING THE DISCUS.--This sport consisted in throwing a globular mass of iron, brass, or stone, under the hand, in the manner of the English quoit. It tried the strength of the arms; and the length of the cast decided the claims of the competitors. BOXING, or the PANCRATIA.--This combat was performed either by the naked fist, or with the addition of the CÆSTUS, which was made of straps of leather, lined with metal. Boxing was one of the most dangerous of the gymnastic contests, and frequently terminated in maiming, or death. Judges called HELLANODICS were appointed to preside at the Olympic festival; and their office conveyed great authority. They inflicted corporal punishments and pecuniary penalties on those who infringed the Olympic laws: and that vast assembly of combatants and spectators, which was composed of men of every rank and degree, was thus kept in order and regularity. For ten centuries, religion and custom consecrated their powerful influence to the maintenance of the sacred games--the period of their revival by Iphitus, being seven hundred and seventy-six years before the birth of Christ. The duration of this institution shews its perfect organization, and that, while it comprized so many different states, its laws were administered with justice and impartiality.