Callipatira

Callipatīra

(Καλλιπατείρα). The daughter of Diagoras, and wife of Callianax, an athlete. According to the common account, she went with her son, after the death of her husband, to the Olympic Games, having disguised herself in the attire of a teacher of gymnastics. When her son was declared victor, she discovered her sex in the joy of the moment, and was immediately arrested, as women were not allowed to appear on such occasions. The punishment to which she was liable was to be cast down from a precipitous and rocky height, but she was pardoned in consequence of the peculiar circumstances of her case. A law, however, was immediately passed, ordaining that the teachers of gymnastic exercises should appear naked at the games (Pausan. v. 6, 5).

Callipatira Callipatira, daughter of Diagoras and wife of Callianax

• Paus. 6.7.2
• mother of Eucles: Paus. 6.7.2
• disguised as trainer brings her son to Olympic games: Paus. 5.6.7ff.