Héraia

In ancient Greece, the Héraia (in Greek old τὰ Ἡραῖα / tà Hêraĩa ) is a contest gymnic Pentétérique reserved with the women, organized with Argos in the honor of the goddess Héra.

As the women do not have the right to take part nor to even be spectators with the Olympic contests, they create their clean plays: Héraia. According to the tradition, they are created by Hippodamie, after its marriage with Pélops, in the honor of Héra. According to another version, Héraia are rested by the sixteen women of Élide who, at sixth century BC pacified the country.

The plays take place every four years and in general fifteen days after those of the men (about September). They include/understand tests of race of which the length of the stage was lower of one sixteenth. The reward consists of a wild crown of olive-tree (Oléastre) and a share of the animal sacrificed for Héra. Moreover, it is allowed to dedicate of the statues bearing the name of the winner.

Of Héraia are also celebrated in other cities like Samos, Égine or Minoa.

Source

(V, 16,3).

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