Pancratium was a full-contact sport with few rules. The only illegal moves were biting, gouging, and hitting an opponent in the eyes. Fighters could use any technique to defeat their opponent, including punching, kicking, grappling, and throws. The match ended when one fighter submitted or was knocked unconscious.
Pancratium was a very popular sport in ancient Greece. It was considered a test of both strength and courage, and it was often used to train soldiers. Pancratium was also a popular spectacle, and it was often held in conjunction with other sporting events and religious festivals.
The most famous pancratiast was Milo of Croton, who won the Olympic title six times in a row. Milo was said to be so strong that he could lift a bull on his shoulders and carry it around a stadium.
Pancratium continued to be practiced in ancient Greece until the 4th century AD, when it was banned by the Roman emperor Theodosius I. However, the sport continued to be practiced in other parts of the world, and it is still practiced today as a combat sport.