As in most ancient cities, the army of Olbia consisted of a citizen militia. The defence of the homeland was a sacred duty of every citizen of any ancient Greek polis. Wealthy citizens formed units that went into battle heavily armed, and younger people and the poor formed light infantry units. In order to raise courageous and strong citizens, the polis had specialized sports facilities, such as gymnasiums. Evidence for the construction of a gymnasium at Olbia is found in an extant inscription (IosPE I², 40). Physical strength and endurance in ancient armies were of great importance. Therefore, competitions between athletes were held here on every holiday. These included running, jumping, discus and javelin throwing, and horseback riding. In the necropolis of Olbia, dating from the fifth to fourth centuries BC, items typical of ancient athletes have been found, including eight strigils.
Olbia also hosted competitions in a sport that may seem unusual for Greek poleis: archery. A fragment of an Olbian inscription dating from the late fifth or I², 195). It states that Anaxagoras son of Demagoras shot an arrow 283 (about 520 m). Of course, this sporting achievement was made by an outstanding athlete. In real combat, effective archery was carried out over a much shorter distance. In the Middle Ages, for example, it was believed that accurate shooting was possible within 150 metres. The great importance of this weapon, especially in the warfare of the surrounding area, is demonstrated by the fact that a votive model of a Scythian bow some 10 cm long was found in a child’s burial in the middle of the fifth century BC. Most likely, it served as a talisman and protected the deceased from evil spirits. The bow was even used as a weapon of execution. A collective grave that was excavated in the necropolis of Olbia contained the skeletons of 52 people. The four-metredeep pit was filled with the remains of young people and children, who had been stoned and shot with arrows. The legs of two of the victims were shackled.
