Sthenia (festival)

The Sthenia () was a festival celebrated by the Argives in honor of Zeus Sthenius ("the Strong").A Dictionary of Greek and Roman Antiquities (1890), Sthenia

His altar, according to Pausanias, consisted of a large rock situated on the road through the mountains from Troezen to Hermione. This rock was originally known as the altar of Zeus Sthenius, but later became known as the Rock of Theseus, because Theseus took up the sword and sandals of his father, Aegeus, from beneath it.Pausanias, Description of Greece, 2.32.7Pausanias, Description of Greece, 2.34.6

According to ancient writers the festival included various contests, most notably wrestling which was accompanied by flute music.A Dictionary of Greek and Roman Antiquities (1890), Lucta Plutarch also preserves a tradition that the Sthenia was originally held in honor of Danaus before being consecrated to Zeus Sthenius.

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