Palaestra
The palaestra (plural: palaestrae) w, in the context of the Roman bathing complex, open air exercise yards that were often part of the complex. In the pre-Roman Greek world, the palaestra was more specifically a yard for the competition or practice of wrestling that, in many cases, was associated with a gymnasium. It is derived from the Greek word palaiein, to wrestle. The word also has a connection to the mythological figure Palaestra, who is alternatively described as either the lover or the daughter of Hermes, and who is associated with wrestling. As the daughter of Hermes, she is credited as having invented wrestling. As the lover of Hermes, she is said to have observed her brothers playing a game they had invented (wrestling) and told Hermes about the practice, who in turn disseminated the information to humanity. Hermes honored her contribution by naming the practice after her. The Greek palaestra was typically a square or rectangular area surrounded by a colonnaded portico.
According to Vitruvius, the perimeter of the open area of the palaestra should be a distance of 2 Greek stadia (about 180 meters on each side if square). Greek palaestra did not always conform to this ideal, though (the palaestrae at Olympia and Messene, for instance, are much smaller). The general structure of the Greek palaestra was then incorporated into the Roman bathing experience. Rather than being a formalized area for the training and competition of organized sports, it was utilized as more of a general exercise yard.
