| Comment: |
Based on the phrase in Pausanias 'and it is a certain local characteristic for Alexandrians to have a nickname' (καί πως καὶ ἐπιχώριον τὸ ἐς τὰς ἐπικλήσεις τοῖς Ἀλεξανδρεῦσίν ἐστιν), it is quite certain that the man came from Alexandria in Egypt.
According to Pausanias, Apollonios was the first Egyptian in Olympia to be disqualified. He claimed to be late for registration for the Olympics due to bad weather on the Aegean Sea, but a fellow Alexandrian and his opponent (no. 61) disclosed that the true reason was that Apollonios was late was due to his attendance at other festivals in Ionia. Apollonios was disqualified, and Herakleides was proclaimed victor. In a fit of rage, Apollonios assaulted Herakleides. This contributed to his nickname, which he received due to his habit to spit on his opponents during matches (Gouw).
|
