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Clitomachus of Thebes

300 BC – 260 BC

Ancient Olympic victor

PancratiastBoxer
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About Clitomachus of Thebes

Lived 300 BC – 260 BC. Clitomachus of Thebes was a pancratiast and boxer.

Kleitomachos (Greek: Κλειτόμαχος, variously also transliterated Cleitomachus or Clitomachus) was a Theban athlete considered a formidable boxer. His achievements were recounted by Pausanias, who notes that he won the pankration and boxing at the 141st and 140th Olympiad in 216 and 212BC respectively, the pankration at three Pythian Games, and the wrestling, boxing, and pankration at an Isthmian Games all on the same day. This latter achievement, victory in all three so-called "downing" events, was regarded as especially impressive, and was only achieved by one other athlete (Theagenes of Thasos). Centuries later, Aelian praised Kleitomachos for his temperance, holding it to be the key to his athletic prowess. In particular, he noted Kleitomachos' abstinence from sex, saying that he would even avert his eyes if he saw two dogs coupling.

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Important facts

Born
300 BC, Thebes
Birth century
Died
260 BC
Occupation
Pancratiast, boxer
Awards
Pythian games winner; Nemean games victor; Isthmian games victor; Olympic victor, pankration; Olympic victor, boxing (pygmachia)
Also known as
Cleitomachus of Thebes, Kleitomachos

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped Clitomachus of Thebes's

Frequently asked questions

Who was Clitomachus of Thebes?

ancient Olympic victor

When was Clitomachus of Thebes born?

Clitomachus of Thebes was born in 300 BC in Thebes.

When did Clitomachus of Thebes die?

Clitomachus of Thebes died in 260 BC.

What was Clitomachus of Thebes's occupation?

Clitomachus of Thebes was a pancratiast and boxer.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Clitomachus of Thebes

· Wikidata: Q16188833

· DBpedia: Kleitomachos (athlete)

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Clitomachus of Thebes. https://biography.guide/clitomachus-of-thebes/

MLA: "Clitomachus of Thebes." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/clitomachus-of-thebes/.

Chicago: "Clitomachus of Thebes." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/clitomachus-of-thebes/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

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