At the next edge of the hill we see in front of us the Stadium, well preserved, almost "alive". Columns with statues or statue bases of the winners welcome us. A copy of Doryphoros (spear-bearer) of Polykleitos was there. He is identified sometimes with Theseus, sometimes with Hercules.
As in Delphi and Olympia, here too the Gymnasium is adjacent to the Stadium. The excavations are indeed a significant undertaking since they are trying to deliver a restoration as loyal as possible to the original architectural design. With a horseshoe shape 182 meters long, it features 18 wedge-shaped sections and 18 rows of seats that keep the ancient Greek numbering.
The section bearing the name Tiberius Claudius NIKIRATOS is evident. Researchers claim that a torrent would flow at the site and the running waters could be heard. Today we can spot an extra wall that was added later to separate spectators from athletes due to the fact that in the Roman times gladiators fought animals: barbarian spectacles, a struggle between man and beast. Nevertheless, it remains imposing, open to the spirit and ethos it inspires.
Next to the Stadium we find the Heroon. Before each game there was a commemoration ceremony for the dead heroes and many times games took place in their honour. Here the worship of heroes is celebrated. Parallel lives of men that excelled, surpassed themselves to offer to the community. The worship of heroes is a defining element of the cities all over Greece. Indeed, a herald would appear often and recite the heroes' names. Remembrance and honour to the deceased heroes reconciles life with death, those that have passed with the living. It speaks to us eloquently for the glory of death glorious is the one offered to the city in her favour. Next to the deceased heroes the benefactors of the city are also worshipped. The Mausoleum of the Saithidai dated at the 1st century AD honours the Messenian high priest Saithidas. An influential figure honoured as a hero for centuries enjoys posthumous fame.
