Iccus of Taranto (Ancient Greek: Ἴκκος) (5th century BC) was a Magna Grecia Olympic athlete, a victor during the 84th Games (444 BC)[1] or 70th Games (470 BC) according to older sources.[2] He is considered the father of athletic dietology. He prepared himself physically before competing according to ethical-religious Pythagorean concepts by abstaining from sexual intercourse and a frugal diet specially prepared. He also taught these principles.[3] Pausanias calls him the best gymnast of his age,[4] and Plato also mentions him with great praise.[5]
Iamblichus calls him a Pythagorean.[6][failed verification] According to Themistius,[7] Plato reckoned him among the sophists. Specifically, in Plato's dialogue Protagoras, the sophist Protagoras lists Iccus alongside Homer, Hesiod, Simonides, Orpheus, Musaeus, Herodicus, Agathocles tutor of Damon, and Pythoclides [fr] as fellow sophists (that is, improvers of youth) who chose to present themselves as poets, athletes, or musicians for fear of public disapproval.[8]
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